What is the rate of SUDEP?

Studies suggest that each year there are about 1.16 cases of SUDEP for every 1,000 people with epilepsy, although estimates vary. Most, but not all, cases of SUDEP occur during or immediately after a seizure.

Who is most at risk for SUDEP?

The greatest risk factor for SUDEP is having tonic clonic seizures (grand mal). People with night time seizures may also be at higher risk. Missing medications or not taking seizure medicines as prescribed, because it can lead to more seizures, may also put people at higher risk for SUDEP.

How many people are affected by SUDEP?

SUDEP is rare, but traumatic for families. Researchers estimate that, for every 1,000 people with epilepsy, at least 1 person may die from SUDEP each year. This means that each year in the United States, there are about 3,000 deaths due to SUDEP.

Is SUDEP inherited?

Definite evidence has recently emerged concerning genetic susceptibility to SUDEP, suggesting a highly polygenic contribution [18]. A gene associated with SUDEP should include a definite pathogenic alteration that causes epilepsy, increasing SUDEP risk [12].

How common is Sudep in epilepsy?

SUDEP is the sudden, unexpected death of someone with epilepsy, who was otherwise healthy. In SUDEP cases, no other cause of death is found when an autopsy is done. Each year, more than 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP.

Can you stop SUDEP?

Yes it can help! The risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) is higher in people with uncontrolled seizures. Thus, having as few seizures as possible, or ideally zero seizures, is the best way to lessen your risk and prevent SUDEP.

What are the chances of dying from epilepsy?

Death from epilepsy is rare. The leading cause of death among people with uncontrolled epilepsy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP, kills 1 in 1,000 people who have the disorder.

Is epilepsy hereditary from mother?

If the father has epilepsy and the mother does not have epilepsy, the risk is slightly lower. If both parents have epilepsy, the risk is only a bit higher. If one parent has idiopathic epilepsy, the chances that their child will also have epilepsy is between nine percent and 12 percent.