J Korean Epilepsy Soc.  2007 Dec;11(2):116-118.

A Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

• Kim SJ
• Song TJ
• Choi YC
• Kim WJ

Abstract

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is defined as sudden, unexpected, non-traumatic, and non-drowning death in epilepsy. Postmortem examination must not reveal any anatomical or toxicological causes for SUDEP. The most commonly suggested mechanisms for SUDEP are cardiac abnormalities and apnea, although the cause of SUDEP is still unknown. We experienced a 36 years old male patient with epilepsy who was admitted to emergency room for cardiopulmonary arrest and the death was compatible with SUDEP because of unexpected death without reasonable explanation of cause of death except seizure. There is a possibility of an irreversible cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest by a seizure, which led to death in this case.

Keyword

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; Epilepsy; Cardiopulmonary arrest

MeSH Terms

Adult
Apnea
Autopsy
Cause of Death
Emergency Service, Hospital
Epilepsy*
Heart Arrest
Humans
Male
Seizures