Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: A Case Report

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious problem, and its importance has increased in recent years. It is responsible for the death of 17% of epilepsy patients. As the age of onset rises, the risk increases. Patients with refractory epilepsy are particularly at risk. Likewise, male gender, early age of onset, polytherapy, nocturnal seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are also among the risk factors. Respiratory, cardiac, autonomic and brain stem related pathologies are held to be responsible for its pathophysiology.