Underestimation of sudden deaths among patients with seizures and epilepsy

Conclusions: Among the 25 patients identified with epilepsy by the epileptologists, they found definite or possible SUDEP in 72% (18/25) vs 24% (6/25) by the multidisciplinary group (6/15 cases they identified with epilepsy). The epileptologists identified acute symptomatic seizures as a potential COD in 5/14 patients with alcohol-related seizures. Epilepsy is underdiagnosed among decedents. Among patients with seizures and epilepsy who die suddenly, seizures and SUDEP often go unrecognized as a potential or definite COD.

http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/short/89/9/886?rss=1

Source: Neurology - August 28, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Devinsky, O., Friedman, D., Cheng, J. Y., Moffatt, E., Kim, A., Tseng, Z. H. Tags: All Epilepsy/Seizures ARTICLE Source Type: research