A death is referred to as a ‘SUDEP’ when a seemingly healthy person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly and no reason for the death can be found. In most cases, an autopsy is required to rule out other causes of death. The most common criteria used to determine whether a death is due to SUDEP:
- The person has epilepsy, which is defined as recurrent unprovoked seizures
- The person died unexpectedly while in a reasonable state of health
- The death occurred suddenly
- The death occurred during normal activity (often during sleep and found in or near the bed)
- An obvious medical cause of death could not be determined at autopsy
- The death was not the direct result of status epilepticus
Who is at Risk for SUDEP?
While SUDEP can happen to anyone with epilepsy, some people are at higher risk than others. The greatest common risk factor for SUDEP are:
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Not taking medications as prescribed
- Early age of epilepsy onset
- Uncontrolled or frequent seizures.
- Living alone.
- Alcohol or drug dependency.
How can families/caregivers prevent SUDEP?
Keeping seizures under control is the key to keeping children and youth healthy, safe, and to reduce the risk of SUDEP. Physicians can share the following tips with families/caregivers to help lower their child’s risk of SUDEP by:
- Take medication as prescribed
- Avoid know seizure triggers
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Train family in seizure first aid
- Consider night-time monitoring