How do I minimize the risk for SUDEP?
It is important to take seizure medication as prescribed. If you continue to have seizures speak with your doctor about adjusting your medication and other possible treatment options. Consider seeing an Epilepsy specialist if you are not already.
Other possible steps to reduce the risk of SUDEP may include:
- Avoid seizure triggers.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
- Learn how to better control your seizures with epilepsy self-management programs.
- Get enough sleep.
- Train adults in the house in seizure first aid.2
SUDEP Resources
Documents and analyzes cases of SUDEP to illuminate risk factors and causes and develop preventative measures. Promotes SUDEP awareness by aiming to provide epileptic patients and their families with the information and tools necessary to make informed decisions.
The CDC is a Federal Agency that offers information on a large range of diseases. Their SUDEP page has additional SUDEP information.
Learn more about this family's mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures
This closed online community is a great resource for bereaved families to connect with and support one another.
SUDEP Action (formerly Epilepsy Bereaved)is committed to preventing Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and other epilepsy deaths through research, awareness and influencing change.
The SUDEP Institute is a project led by the Epilepsy Foundation in collaboration with CURE, SUDEP Aware, Danny Did Foundation, AES and other leading epilepsy organizations and experts. Our mission is to prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and support people confronting SUDEP.
References
1. Epilepsy Foundation of America, November 12, 2019, SUDEP FAQ, September 17, 2020, [https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/early-death-and-sudep/sudep/sudep-faq]
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 17, 2018, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), September 17, 2020, [https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/sudep/index.htm]