After a brain donor dies
After a donor dies, the next-of-kin (partner, close relative or legal representative) should inform the person’s GP or the hospital of the donor's wishes to donate their brain for epilepsy research. The Brain and Tissue Bank should be informed immediately on 020 3448 4009.
The Brain and Tissue Bank team will then contact either the hospital or the donor’s doctor, the coroner if needed and the funeral director, and will also keep the family informed.
The team will arrange for the body to be taken to the hospital nearest to the place of death, and for a pathologist to remove the brain and other tissue. The tissue will be taken to the Brain and Tissue Bank where it is quickly processed and stored.
If a person dies suddenly and SUDEP – sudden unexpected death in epilepsy – is suspected, there may be a post mortem to establish cause of death. If the donor’s family still wish for the brain to be donated for epilepsy research, they should inform the coroner’s officer who can arrange to release the brain to the Brain and Tissue Bank at an appropriate time.
Neuropathology
The Epilepsy Society Brain and Tissue Bank is the first of its kind in the UK. It is dedicated to the study of epilepsy through brain and other tissue samples.
Investigating SUDEP through brain tissue
Understanding the complexities of the brain is key to understanding the causes of epilepsy and the impact of seizures on the brain. It is also pivotal in improving the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
Genomics
Read how we are working to understand the genetic architecture of each individual person's epilepsy through our world leading genomics research programme.
How to become a brain donor
Deciding to donate your brain and tissue to medical research is one of the most important decisions you can make in life. Choosing to help research in this way is a very generous and valuable gift, and the decision must be something you are happy with. It is also something that needs to be discussed with those closest to you before you make any decision.
How tissue samples help epilepsy research
Donating your brain and tissue for research will help make a huge difference to our understanding and treatment of epilepsy in the future. By donating your brain and tissue you could help change the lives of people with epilepsy.
Our researchers
subtitle: Meet the team
Meet the team at Epilepsy Society leading the way in global research. Our team are passionate about translating research findings to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.