Lance Watkins1, Rohit Shankar2,3. 1. Neath Port Talbot CLDT, Mental Health & Learning Disability Delivery Unit, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, LLwyneryr Unit, 151 Clasemont Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6AH, UK. 2. Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Truro, TR4 9LD, UK. Rohit.shankar@nhs.net. 3. Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK. Rohit.shankar@nhs.net.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent reports have highlighted an increase in the number of epilepsy-related deaths. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is thought to be the number one cause of death in chronic epilepsy. This review provides a summary of the current evidence of how to communicate, stratify, and mitigate known risk factors for SUDEP. RECENT FINDINGS: There is now a clearer understanding of the possible pathological mechanisms that contribute to SUDEP. SUDEP is the culmination of multifactorial predisposing and precipitating factors and has been linked to particular candidate genes. A number of static and modifiable risk factors for SUDEP have been consistently identified. Recent guidance has emphasised the importance of communicating SUDEP risk to individuals at the earliest appropriate time. SUDEP risk assessment should be integral to the care of individuals with epilepsy. The use of evidence-based risk assessment tools may provide an opportunity to communicate identified risks in a person-centred holistic way. There is increasing evidence to support the use of wearable seizure monitoring devices to help reduce the frequency and impact of convulsive seizures, perhaps the number one risk factor for SUDEP.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent reports have highlighted an increase in the number of epilepsy-related deaths. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is thought to be the number one cause of death in chronic epilepsy. This review provides a summary of the current evidence of how to communicate, stratify, and mitigate known risk factors for SUDEP. RECENT FINDINGS: There is now a clearer understanding of the possible pathological mechanisms that contribute to SUDEP. SUDEP is the culmination of multifactorial predisposing and precipitating factors and has been linked to particular candidate genes. A number of static and modifiable risk factors for SUDEP have been consistently identified. Recent guidance has emphasised the importance of communicating SUDEP risk to individuals at the earliest appropriate time. SUDEP risk assessment should be integral to the care of individuals with epilepsy. The use of evidence-based risk assessment tools may provide an opportunity to communicate identified risks in a person-centred holistic way. There is increasing evidence to support the use of wearable seizure monitoring devices to help reduce the frequency and impact of convulsive seizures, perhaps the number one risk factor for SUDEP.
Authors: Johan B Arends; Jasper van Dorp; Dennis van Hoek; Niels Kramer; Petra van Mierlo; Derek van der Vorst; Francis I Y Tan Journal: Epilepsy Behav Date: 2016-08-01 Impact factor: 2.937
Authors: Cynthia Harden; Torbjörn Tomson; David Gloss; Jeffrey Buchhalter; J Helen Cross; Elizabeth Donner; Jacqueline A French; Anthony Gil-Nagel; Dale C Hesdorffer; W Henry Smithson; Mark C Spitz; Thaddeus S Walczak; Josemir W Sander; Philippe Ryvlin Journal: Neurology Date: 2017-04-25 Impact factor: 9.910
Authors: Alica M Goldman; Elijah R Behr; Christopher Semsarian; Richard D Bagnall; Sanjay Sisodiya; Paul N Cooper Journal: Epilepsia Date: 2016-01 Impact factor: 5.864
Authors: A Schulze-Bonhage; S Böttcher; M Glasstetter; N Epitashvili; E Bruno; M Richardson; K V Laerhoven; M Dümpelmann Journal: Nervenarzt Date: 2019-12 Impact factor: 1.214