SUDEP
Pronunciation: SOO-dep
Also written as: SUDEP — Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; the sudden death of a person with epilepsy who was previously in their usual state of health.
Full Definition
SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) refers to the sudden, unexpected, witnessed or unwitnessed, non-traumatic and non-drowning death in patients with epilepsy, with or without evidence for a seizure, and excluding documented status epilepticus. It is a leading cause of death in young people with epilepsy. Risk factors include frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures, early onset epilepsy, and poor seizure control. The mechanism is not fully understood but may involve cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient-facing documents.
In Context
- "The family was counseled about SUDEP risk factors and prevention strategies." — Clinical consultation note
- "Nocturnal supervision may reduce the risk of SUDEP in high-risk patients." — Care planning documentation