Preventing tomorrow’s sudden cardiac death in epilepsy today: What should physicians know about this?
Scorza FA, Colugnati DB, Pansani AP, Sonoda EYF, Arida RM, and Cavalheiro EA (2008) Preventing tomorrow’s sudden cardiac death in epilepsy today: What should physicians know about this? Clinics (Sao Paulo) 63:3 389–94.
Abstract: Approximately 1% of the population has epilepsy, the most common neurological disorder. Moreover, people with epilepsy are more likely to die prematurely than those without epilepsy, and the most common epilepsy-related category of death is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Information concerning risk factors for SUDEP is conflicting, but potential risk factors include: age, early onset of epilepsy, duration of epilepsy, uncontrolled seizures, seizure frequency, number of antiepileptic drugs and winter temperatures. Additionally, the cause of SUDEP is still unknown; however, the most commonly suggested mechanisms are cardiac abnormalities during and between seizures. This review discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, and preventative measures in the management of SUDEP.
Keywords: Epilepsy. Heart. Sudden cardiac death.
Context
- Review of well-discussed risk factors. See annotation at Scorza et al.