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Pediatric Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

Anne Marie Morse1, Sanjeev V Kothare2

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, New York.

Pediatric Neurology
|February 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare in children but poorly understood. Physicians often avoid discussing SUDEP due to limited knowledge, leaving families unprepared for this critical risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children and adolescents.
  • Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant concern for epilepsy specialists.
  • Pediatric neurologists may be hesitant to discuss SUDEP due to perceived lower risk in younger populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on pediatric SUDEP.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of SUDEP in children and adolescents.
  • To inform healthcare providers about pediatric SUDEP risks and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of studies published between January 2000 and June 2015.
  • Utilized PubMed and reviewed reference lists of relevant publications.
  • Keywords included "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients," "pediatric SUDEP," and related terms.

Main Results:

  • Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare in the pediatric population.
  • The precise mechanisms and pathogenesis of pediatric SUDEP are not well understood and may differ from adult SUDEP.
  • Physician reluctance to discuss SUDEP, stemming from limited knowledge and experience, results in less informed patients and families.

Conclusions:

  • This review consolidates information on pediatric SUDEP definition, classification, and proposed mechanisms.
  • It addresses the incidence and risk factors specific to the pediatric population.
  • The study highlights the need for improved physician education and discusses potential prevention strategies for pediatric SUDEP.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrenepilepsysudden infant death syndromesudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

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