Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

May be the cause of death when:

•   A healthy person with epilepsy dies suddenly without drowning or trauma
•   The person may or may not have had a seizure before death
•   No other reason for death is found upon exam after death
•   Person was not using illegal drugs (example: cocaine)
•   Person did not have a heart attack

The exact cause is not yet known. Some common theories causing SUDEP include:

•   Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
•   Breathing trouble
•   Lack of protective brain chemicals
•   A combination of causes