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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

SUDEP

Pronunciation: SOO-dep

Also written as: SUDEP — Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of someone with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy.

Full Definition

SUDEP is a rare but serious complication of epilepsy, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy annually. The exact mechanism is unknown, but it may involve cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, or brainstem dysfunction following seizures. Risk factors include frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures, young adult age, early seizure onset, and suboptimal seizure control. SUDEP discussions are an important part of epilepsy counseling.

Usage

Usage note: Always capitalize as an acronym. Sensitive topic requiring careful discussion with families.

In Context

  • "The neurologist discussed SUDEP risk as part of comprehensive epilepsy counseling." — Clinic visit note
  • "Optimizing seizure control is crucial for SUDEP prevention in adolescent patients." — Treatment plan

Also known as

sudden death in epilepsy

Don't confuse with

SIDS cardiac arrest
subependymal giant cell astrocytoma ← Back to glossary therapeutic hypothermia

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