Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
08:28
Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
Causes of death in remote symptomatic epilepsy
1Life Expectancy Project, 1439 17th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122-3402, USA. Day@LifeExpectancy.com
Neurology
|July 27, 2005
Summary
Individuals with remote symptomatic epilepsy face increased mortality risks. Leading causes include seizures, aspiration pneumonia, and accidental drowning, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Developmental disabilities are associated with various health complications.
- Remote symptomatic epilepsy, defined as epilepsy in individuals with developmental delay or brain lesions, presents unique mortality challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of death in individuals with developmental disabilities, comparing those with and without remote symptomatic epilepsy.
- To identify specific causes of mortality that are more prevalent in individuals with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study compared mortality causes in 10,030 individuals with epilepsy and 96,163 without, within a California population of individuals with mild developmental disabilities (1988-2002).
- Data included traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism.
- Cause-specific death rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated relative to the general California population.
Main Results:
- Individuals with epilepsy exhibited elevated death rates from seizures (SMR 53.1) and convulsions (SMR 25.2).
- Increased mortality was also observed for brain cancer (SMR 5.2), respiratory diseases (SMR 1.7), circulatory diseases (SMR 1.3), and accidents (SMR 2.7), notably accidental drowning (SMR 12.8).
Conclusions:
- Remote symptomatic epilepsy is a significant risk factor for increased mortality in individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Seizures, aspiration pneumonia, and accidental drowning are identified as major contributors to excess mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.