How little I knew about : Epilepsy

So people Dont know about this, I didnt until a lady who has epilepsy told me about it. 

Strange how people know so little about illnesses. And they panic too if they see fits. Someone who lives quite close has epilepsy and I whats commonly called "boned up" on what to do if I see him fit. 

I realised I didnt know about it at all, even though I know several who have it. More shame on me. 

"There's so much more to living with epilepsy than having seizures. There's depression, insomnia, low self esteem, low self worth, no confidence, sexual issues and more."

So 

In support of awareness: 

Courtesy of : Epilepsy Action 

The definition of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

The causes of SUDEP
Risk factors of SUDEP
Ways to reduce the risks of SUDEP if you have epilepsy
Ways to reduce the risks of SUDEP for someone who is having a seizure
Further information about SUDEP

Introduction 

Epilepsy Action believes that it is very important for people with epilepsy and their families to be aware of the risks associated with epilepsy. This information is about one significant risk, and that is sudden death due to epilepsy.

It is important to remember that the risks of dying because of epilepsy are low. There are also things you can do to make the risks even lower.

Many people who knew somebody who died due to SUDEP have told us they wished they had known more about the risks, before the person died. Therefore, the aim of this information is to raise awareness of the risk of sudden death associated with epilepsy. It also offers practical advice and suggestions on ways to reduce this risk.

There have been many studies carried out into SUDEP and research is continuing. However, SUDEP is still not fully understood by medical professionals. In this information, we can only tell you about the current understanding of SUDEP.

If you would like to discuss anything to do with SUDEP, you could speak to an adviser on the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050 (UK only). You could also contact your family doctor, epilepsy specialist, or epilepsy nurse.

The definition of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

If a person with epilepsy dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and no obvious cause of death can be found, it is called sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Sometimes, it is called sudden unexplained death in epilepsy.

The causes of SUDEP

SUDEP has been shown to be connected with seizures. The exact cause is not known and there may be no single explanation. However, it is thought that seizure activity in the brain may sometimes cause changes in the person’s heartbeat or breathing. This could cause the person to stop breathing or their heart to stop beating.

Risk factors of SUDEP

It is estimated that SUDEP happens to one in every 1,000 people with epilepsy. There is no way of predicting who will be affected by SUDEP. However, some people with epilepsy have a higher risk of SUDEP than others. The single most important risk factor is uncontrolled generalised tonic-clonic seizures. This is a type of seizure that causes the person to lose consciousness. Their body goes stiff and then starts jerking.

SUDEP has occurred in people who had seizures very often, and also in people who did not have them very often. However, the risk is thought to be higher, the more seizures you have. The risk of SUDEP if you are seizure-free is very, very low. And, SUDEP is rare in people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy.

Any of the following things are thought to increase a person’s risk of SUDEP.

Having uncontrolled generalised tonic-clonic seizures
Not taking epilepsy medicines as prescribed
Having seizures that are not controlled by epilepsy medicines
Having sudden and frequent changes to epilepsy medicines
Being a young adult (in particular male)
Having sleep seizures
Having seizures when alone
Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Ways to reduce the risks of SUDEP if you have epilepsy

Seizure control
The most effective way to reduce the risk of SUDEP is to have as few seizures as possible. If your seizures are not controlled, here are some ways that you can manage your epilepsy, to try and reduce them.

Always take your epilepsy medicines as prescribed.
Never stop taking your epilepsy medicines, or make changes to them, without talking to your doctor first.
Make sure that you never run out of your epilepsy medicines.
Ask your epilepsy specialist or epilepsy nurse in advance what you should do if you ever forget to take your epilepsy medicines.
If your seizures continue, ask to be referred to an epilepsy specialist for a review of your epilepsy. They may be able to suggest changes to your epilepsy medicines, or other treatment options, which may include surgery.
Keep a diary of your seizures. This can help doctors when they are considering the best treatment for you. It may also help you to see if there is a pattern to your seizures, or anything that triggers your seizures.
Avoid situations which may trigger your seizures. Common triggers include forgetting to take epilepsy medicines, lack of sleep, stress and too much alcohol.
If your epilepsy is very difficult to control, ask your specialist if you could be referred to a specialist epilepsy centre for treatment. Contact Epilepsy Action for more information about this.
Epilepsy Action has more information about epilepsy medicines, surgery, seizure diaries and seizure triggers.

Other ways to reduce risk

If your seizures happen at night, consider using a bed alarm, which can alert another person if you have a seizure. This will enable the person to help you. For example, they can put you in the recovery position or call for an ambulance, if necessary. (Be aware that bed alarms are not always perfect. They may sometimes miss seizures or go off without a reason. And it’s important to know that there is no proof that bed alarms reduce the risk of SUDEP.)
For information about alarms and manufacturers, you can contact Disabled Living Foundation’s equipment helpline. They provide information about suppliers of specialist equipment to help with everyday living.

Tel: 0300 999 0004 (calls charged at local rate)
Textphone: 020 7432 8009 (calls charged at standard rate)
Email: advice@dlf.org.uk

The Disabled Living Foundation's website is called Living made Easy.

Telecare (alarms linked to a help centre)
Website: livingmadeeasy.org.uk/telecare

Bed alarms
Website: livingmadeeasy.org.uk/bedroom

Tell people about your epilepsy and let them know how they can help you if you have a seizure. You may choose to wear identity jewellery or carry some form of epilepsy awareness card to make other people aware of your epilepsy.
Having seizures when you are alone is a risk factor for SUDEP. You may wish to bear this in mind when you are making plans for where you live and what you do. For example, you may choose to live with other people.
Some people who have sleep seizures use anti-suffocation pillows. These may be safer than ordinary pillows, although we don’t have any research that proves this. If you think an anti-suffocation pillow would help you, please talk to your epilepsy nurse or epilepsy specialist. They will help you to decide whether an anti-suffocation pillow would be a good idea for you. 
For details of where you can buy anti-suffocation pillows, contact Epilepsy Action.
Epilepsy Action has more information about safety and epilepsy, identity jewellery and epilepsy awareness cards.

Ways to reduce the risks of SUDEP for someone who is having a seizure

You may be with someone when they have a seizure which causes them to lose consciousness. Here are some things you can do to help them recover. Your actions may also reduce the risks of SUDEP.

Remember ACTION for tonic-clonic seizures:

A Assess
Assess the situation – are they in danger of injuring themselves? Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
C Cushion
Cushion their head (with a jumper, for example) to protect them from head injury
T Time
Check the time – if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes you should call an ambulance
I Identity
Look for a medical bracelet or ID card – it may give you information about the person’s seizures and what to do
O Over
Once the seizure is over, put them on their side (in the recovery position). Stay with them and reassure them as they come round
N Never
Never restrain the person, put something in their mouth or try to give them food or drink
The recovery position

The recovery position

Call for an ambulance if...

You know it is the person’s first seizure, or
The seizure continues for more than five minutes, or
One tonic-clonic seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness between seizures, or
The person is injured during the seizure, or
You believe the person needs urgent medical attention
Further information about SUDEP

SUDEP Action

SUDEP Action offers support and information for people affected by SUDEP and other bereavements related to epilepsy. They also promote research into the causes of SUDEP.
Tel: 01235 772 852
Website: www.sudep.org

This information was written by Epilepsy Action’s advice and information team with guidance and input from people living with epilepsy and medical experts.

If you would like to see this information with references, visit the Advice and Information references section of our website. See SUDEP.

Code: F006.03

Epilepsy Action would like to thank Dr Lina Nashef, consultant neurologist at Kings College Hospital, UK for her contribution to this information.

Dr Lina Nashef has no conflict of interest to declare.