Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): prevention

Evidence-based neurology checklist on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (sudep): prevention: Improve night-time conditions Sleep supine Use seizure alarms Use anti-suffocation pillows Improve night-time supervision and precautions Use nocturnal checking/listening device Share rooms Treat…

Improve night-time conditions

  • Sleep supine
  • Use seizure alarms
  • Use anti-suffocation pillows
  • Improve night-time supervision and precautions
  • Use nocturnal checking/listening device
  • Share rooms
  • Treat obstructive sleep apnoea

Optimise seizure control

Consider alternative epilepsy interventions

Preventative measures

Proposed preventative measures

SUDEP discussion points with patient

References

  1. Nashef L, So EL, Ryvlin P, Tomson T. Unifying the definitions of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Epilepsia 2012; 53:227-233.
  2. Devinsky O, Hesdorffer DC, Thurman DJ, Lhatoo S, Richerson G. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: epidemiology, mechanisms, and prevention. Lancet Neurol 2016; 15:1075-1088. 
  3. So EL, Bainbridge J, Buchhalter JR, et al. Report of the American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation Joint Task Force on sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. Epilepsia 2009; 50:917-922.
  4. Hesdorffer DC, Tomson T, Benn E, et al. Combined analysis of risk factors for SUDEP. Epilepsia 2011; 52:1150-1159.
  5. Tomson T, Nashef L, Ryvlin P. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: current knowledge and future directions. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:1021-1031.
  6. And 4 more. Subscribe to see the full list

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