SUDDEN
UNEXPECTED
DEATH IN
EPILEPSY

SUDEP is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. SUDEP refers to the death of a person with epilepsy who was in their usual state of health dies suddenly and unexpectedly. The death is not known to be related to an illness, accident or seizure emergency such as status epilepticus. When an autopsy is done, no other of cause of death can be found. View this comprehensive brochure: Knowledge is Power. 

Most often SUDEP occurs during or right after a seizure. SUDEP may have more than one cause or result from a combination of problems. Difficulty with breathing, heart rhythmns or brain function may contribute to SUDEP. Research is being done to look at all possible causes and potential genetic links.

Approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year. The greatest risk factors for SUDEP are uncontrolled generalized tonic clonic seizures (also called convulsions) and seizures that happen at night. Missing doses of seizure medicine and drinking alcohol may lead to poor seizure control and affect a person’s risk for SUDEP too. While SUDEP can occur at any time, it happens more often in people who have had seizures for many years.

The first step to lowering your risk for SUDEP is to take your seizure medication regularly and at the right dose. If seizure medicine along doesn’t control seizures, talk to your doctor about other ways to possibly control your seizures. Ask for a referral to an epilepsy specialist at an accredited epilepsy center. Learn how to avoid seizure triggers, get enough sleep and don’t use alcohol or drugs. It’s important to make sure other people in the home know seizure first aid too.

• What is my risk for SUDEP?
• What can I do to reduce my risk?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?
• What should I do if I have a seizure?
• Can I be referred to an epilepsy specialist?
• Where can my family obtain training in seizure first aid?
• What activities or behaviors increase my risk?
• What should I tell my family about my epilepsy and SUDEP?
• I’m having seizures, should we consider a change in my treatment?
• Should I consider using a device to warn someone that I’m having
  a seizure?
• I have seizures in my sleep, should I consider sharing a bedroom?

The Epilepsy Foundation’s SUDEP Institute works to raise awareness to prevent SUDEP and support people bereaved by SUDEP and other epilepsy-related deaths. Specifically, the SUDEP Institute: 

•  Carries out SUDEP education and awareness for people impacted by epilepsy and medical professionals
•  Drives and supports research into the causes of and ways to prevent SUDEP
•  Offers bereavement support services and an online community for those affected by SUDEP
•  Works together with other epilepsy organizations to find the answers to SUDEP and help families with epilepsy

Learn more about SUDEP and the SUDEP Institute at epilepsy.com/SUDEP