Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) happens without warning, when no cause of death is found. It is the leading cause of death for young adults with uncontrolled seizures.
The risk of dying from SUDEP each year is:
It is less common in children and the risk is real for all people with epilepsy.
The true cause of death in SUDEP is not known. It happens most often at night. People are often found lying face down in bed. It may happen after a seizure. A person typically has trouble with breathing and brain function.
People at highest risk for SUDEP have epilepsy.
Higher risk is also associated with those found to have epilepsy in their youth and who have had it for a long time.
The best way to lower your risk for SUDEP is to have as few seizures as possible.
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