What is SUDEP?
SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) is a rare complication of epilepsy that is linked to poorly controlled seizures. It usually happens during sleep and in many cases no cause is found.
Although this can sound worrying, the risk is very low for people who manage their seizures well.
What causes SUDEP?
The cause of SUDEP is unclear, although it has been linked to changes that happen during a seizure. These include:
- Changes to breathing patterns, which can affect oxygen levels in the body.
- Changes to heart rate, making it harder for blood to circulate as it should.
- Temporary changes to how the brain controls breathing and heart rate.
Are there any warning signs of SUDEP?
SUDEP usually happens during or shortly after a seizure, often while asleep. It doesn’t have warning signs in the way some other conditions do. This is why taking medication regularly is really important.
SUDEP is rare, affecting around 1 in 1,000 people each year and most people with epilepsy will not be affected.
