The exact cause is not known, but the following factors may play a role in SUDEP, either alone or in combination: Poor patient compliance with medication.Possible genetic predisposition (see below).Seizures that begin at a young age most reported cases of SUDEP occur in patients ages 18-40.The death was not the direct result of a seizure or Status epilepticusĮvidence of a recent seizure does not exclude the diagnosis of SUDEP as long as death did not occur during the seizure.An obvious medical cause of death could not be determined at autopsy.The death occurred during normal and benign circumstances.The patient died unexpectedly while in a reasonable state of health.The patient has epilepsy, which is defined as recurrent, unprovoked seizures.These criteria, now used in most SUDEP studies, are as follows: To standardize the definition of SUDEP, the FDA and Burroughs-Wellcome developed criteria for SUDEP in 1993. When an autopsy is done, no other cause of death can be found."Īlthough estimates vary, studies suggest that SUDEP accounts for 8%-17% of deaths in people with epilepsy. The death is not known to be related to an accident or seizure emergency such as status epilepticus. The causes can include underlying neurologic disorders, accidents during a seizure, status epilepticus, suicide, treatment-related deaths, and SUDEP.Īccording to the Epilepsy Foundation, SUDEP "is said to occur when a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly and was previously in their usual state of health. Approximately 40% of deaths in patients with epilepsy are epilepsy related. Those with epilepsy have a significantly higher mortality rate than the general population. Mortality due to epilepsy is a serious concern. According to the foundation's website, it "provides young people artistic and creative outlets as alternatives to violence and negativity and uses resources and philanthropy for positive change in the world." ![]() To honor their son, his family started the Cameron Boyce Foundation.
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