Let's talk SUDEP

Elmali A. D., Bebek N., Baykan B.

NOROPSIKIYATRI ARSIVI-ARCHIVES OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY, vol.56, no.4, pp.292-301, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 56 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.29399/npa.23663
  • Journal Name: NOROPSIKIYATRI ARSIVI-ARCHIVES OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.292-301
  • Keywords: Pathophysiology, prevention, risk factors, communication, SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DEATH, HEART-RATE-VARIABILITY, NEUROGENIC PULMONARY-EDEMA, VAGAL NERVE-STIMULATION, RISK-FACTORS, SEIZURE DETECTION, EPILEPSY SUDEP, ICTAL HYPOXEMIA, NOCTURNAL SEIZURES, CARDIAC-ARRHYTHMIA
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a devastating complication of epilepsy which was under-recognized in the recent past despite its clear importance. In this review, we examine the definition of SUDEP, revise current pathophysiological theories, discuss risk factors and preventative measures, disclose tools for appraising the SUDEP risk, and last but not least dwell upon announcing and explaining the SUDEP risk to the patients and their caretakers. We aim to aid the clinicians in their responsibility of knowing SUDEP, explaining the SUDEP risk to their patients in a reasonable and sensible way and whenever possible, preventing SUDEP. Future studies are definitely needed to increase scientific knowledge and awareness related to this prioritized topic with malign consequences.