title: Arrhythmias in the epilepsy monitoring unit: watching for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
abstract: Nurses who work with patients at risk for seizures should be informed that both adult and pediatric patients are at risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although the exact pathophysiology of SUDEP is not determined, patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy represent an at-risk population because of autonomic dysregulation. With prompt treatment, patients with near-SUDEP can continue to lead normal productive lives. This case series presents three patients with near-SUDEP diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy.
authors: Elizabeth A. Dawson, BSN RN-BC PCCN, is a Staff Nurse, Kindred Hospital, Arlington, TX. Puneet K. Gupta, MD MSE, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX. He is also a Faculty Member at Neurology Consultants of Dallas, Dallas, TX; and a Faculty Member at Netra Health, LLC, McKinney, TX. Christopher J. Madden, MD FAANS, is a Professor of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX. Joe Pacheco, PhD, is a Faculty Member, Netra Health, LLC, McKinney, TX.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Dawson
authors: Puneet K
authors: PK
authors: Gupta
authors: Christopher J
authors: CJ
authors: Madden
authors: Joe
authors: J
authors: Pacheco
authors: DaiWai M
authors: DM
authors: Olson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing; D002423:Cause of Death; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D006327:Heart Block / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D058542:Implantable Neurostimulators; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine