Epilepsy and Risks
Most people with epilepsy live full, active and healthy lives however, just like other long term health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, seizures can increase the risk of injury, and accidents, and occasionally be life threatening.
Seizures can sometimes lead to injuries or falls; but they can also occasionally be more serious, even contributing to, or causing death. Sometimes loss of life is due to seizure related drowning, accidents, injuries or the underlying cause for the epilepsy such as infections, brain tumours or stroke.
Different types of seizures carry different risks, so your risk depends on the type of seizures you have, and also your activities and lifestyle. For instance, poorly controlled tonic clonic seizures pose the highest safety risk, and if you go mountain climbing, this risk is elevated.
Another cause of epilepsy-related death is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy1 or SUDEP.
What is SUDEP?
‘SUDEP is the sudden, unexpected death of someone with epilepsy. No other cause of death is found.’1
It is estimated that about 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year. It occurs more often in people with frequent tonic clonic seizures, but can occur in someone with infrequent seizures.
SUDEP is the leading cause of death in young adults with poorly controlled seizures.
How can it be prevented?
The cause for SUDEP is not-well known but research is continuing. Theories of the cause of death include seizure related irregular heart rhythms, difficulties breathing or suffocation whilst in bed.
Trying to gain the best seizure control can reduce your risk of SUDEP.
Things you can do to lessen your seizures include:
- Taking your anti-seizure medication as prescribed, avoid missing doses
- Having your medications reviewed regularly by your doctor
- Tracking your seizures in an epilepsy diary
- Identifying and avoiding your seizure triggers
- Avoiding partying hard – drinking too much alcohol or using recreational drugs
- Talking to your doctor to understand your risk and make a plan.
- Ask about our SUDEP and Safety Checklist
Life will never be risk-free, but taking positive action to reduce your seizures, thinking about risks specific to you and discussing with your doctor are a start to reducing some of your seizure related risks.
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