Research
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most devastating outcome of epilepsy. Dr. Donner leads a research program focused on identifying those most at risk of SUDEP and preventing deaths. Using data from Ontario, her team has demonstrated that 1 in 1000 children with epilepsy per year die of SUDEP. Current studies are working to identify genetic markers for sudden death in children with epilepsy and understand the other risks of premature death in people living with epilepsy.

Dr. Donner is also the Principal Investigator of a prospective study of ketogenic diet therapies for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. In collaboration with EpLink, the Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute, Dr. Donner is investigating the effect of diet therapy for epilepsy on family functioning and quality of life.