Sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy--where are we now?
In people with uncontrolled chronic epilepsy there is an excess mortality directly attributable to the epilepsy itself. This is largely due to accidental and non-accidental deaths occurring during or immediately after seizures. Most sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy fall within the latter category. To acknowledge rather than conceal these deaths is essential before prevention strategies can be addressed.
Kent & Canterbury Hospital, UK.
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Nashef
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Sander
D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012307:Risk Factors