The term status epilepticus may be used to describe any prolonged type of seizure or one which repeats without recovery. This prolonged or repeated seizure activity can result in death if not treated immediately. Status epilepticus can be convulsive (tonic-clonic or myoclonic) or non-convulsive (absence or complex partial seizures). A person in non-convulsive status epilepticus may appear confused or dazed. Potential precipitants for status epilepticus include: drug withdrawal, intercurrent illness, metabolic disturbance, tumour, stroke, and / or alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. Status epilepticus and its associated mortality are more common among seniors than in the rest of the population. The highest incidence of status epilepticus occurs during the first year of life and after age 60.

SUDEP : Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy Patients

SUDEP is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients, who were otherwise well, and in whom no other cause for death can be found, despite thorough post-mortem examination and blood tests. This excludes people dying in status epilepticus and those who drown.

Risk Factors Associated With SUDEP

The cause of death in SUDEP is currently, by definition, unknown, but various risk factors have been suggested. People in young adulthood, who experience tonic-clonic seizures, have poor seizure control and perhaps poor adherence with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Other suggested risk factors include being of male gender, use of more than one AED, frequent changes of dose or type of AED, alcohol abuse and certain epilepsy syndromes.

SUDEP Possible Prevention Methods

While the exact risk factors are unknown, it does not hurt to prevent against the possible ones. Prevention does not need to involve serious life-altering changes. A few changes, including reducing alcohol consumption and recreational drug use are beneficial for everyone. Small changes such as this, along with support from family, friends, and physicians can help to reduce the chances of SUDEP. Reprinted in part from Epilepsy Ontario

If you or a loved one has experienced a loss due to epilepsy please call 1 (519) 433-4073 to speak with our Support Services Coordinator or contact Epilepsy Bereaved for further assistance.

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