PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Brian J Dlouhy
AU  - Brian K Gehlbach
AU  - George B Richerson
TI  - Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: basic mechanisms and clinical implications for prevention
AID  - 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307442
DP  - 2016 Apr 01
TA  - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
PG  - 402--413
VI  - 87
IP  - 4
4099  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/87/4/402.short
4100  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/87/4/402.full
SO  - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry2016 Apr 01; 87
AB  - Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in patients with intractable epilepsy. The substantial lifetime risk of SUDEP and the lack of a clear pathophysiological connection between epilepsy itself and sudden death have fuelled increased attention to this phenomenon. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SUDEP is paramount to developing preventative strategies. In this review, we discuss SUDEP population studies, case–control studies, witnessed and monitored cases, as well as human seizure cardiorespiratory findings related to SUDEP, and SUDEP animal models. We integrate these data to suggest the most probable mechanisms underlying SUDEP. Understanding the modifiable risk factors and pathophysiology allows us to discuss potential preventative strategies.