Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention

Brian J Dlouhy; Brian K Gehlbach; George B Richerson

doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-307442

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Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention

Brian J Dlouhy, Brian K Gehlbach and George B Richerson

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry, Vol.87(4), pp.402-413

04/2016

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307442

PMID: 26979537

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Abstract

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in patients with intractable epilepsy. The substantial lifetime risk of SUDEP and the lack of a clear pathophysiological connection between epilepsy itself and sudden death have fuelled increased attention to this phenomenon. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SUDEP is paramount to developing preventative strategies. In this review, we discuss SUDEP population studies, case–control studies, witnessed and monitored cases, as well as human seizure cardiorespiratory findings related to SUDEP, and SUDEP animal models. We integrate these data to suggest the most probable mechanisms underlying SUDEP. Understanding the modifiable risk factors and pathophysiology allows us to discuss potential preventative strategies.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention
Creators: Brian J Dlouhy - Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Brian K Gehlbach - Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
George B Richerson - Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry, Vol.87(4), pp.402-413
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307442
PMID: 26979537
NLM abbreviation: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
ISSN: 0022-3050
eISSN: 1468-330X
Language: English
Date published: 04/2016
Academic Unit: Neurology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Neurosurgery; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984020608502771

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