There are over 1000 epilepsy- related deaths each year in the UK – but this figure is likely to be underestimated. Approximately 50% of these deaths are due to:
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accidents
drowning
Status Epilepticus
suicide
The other half are due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
It can be scary to think about the risk of death related to a long-term health condition, however by knowing the risk exists, you can take positive actions to keep yourself or your family member as safe as possible.
Research has shown that many epilepsy deaths are known to be potentially avoidable – which shows there is much that people with epilepsy, their clinicians and their families can do to reduce risks.
That’s why we believe in giving people as much information as possible about what the risks are, so they can make informed choices about their epilepsy, and why we provide free information and tools to help them tackle risk.
Key risk factors for epilepsy related deaths:
The risk factors below have been shown in research to increase the chance of death in people with epilepsy (SUDEP and other causes). Many of these risk factors can change over time, or can be changed to improve seizure control and reduce risks:
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Active seizures
Generalised tonic-clonic Seizures (the more frequent these seizures, the higher the risk)
Nocturnal seizures (seizures at night) and lack of night-time monitoring / someone there to help if you have a seizure
Not taking your medication as prescribed, or medication changes
Alcohol or substance abuse
Depression or psychiatric illness
Pregnancy
Intellectual (Learning) Disability
Infrequent epilepsy reviews and engagement with an epilepsy clinician
Research has shown the factors below are also linked to SUDEP:
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Having had epilepsy for over 15 years
Epilepsy starting before the age of 16
Male gender
Younger adult age
Click here to see our UK specific stats about Epilepsy-related Deaths
Find out more about what steps can be taken to help reduce risk.
I have lost someone to Epilepsy – see our information section for anyone who has been bereaved by epilepsy. We support people who have been bereaved by ANY type of epilepsy death.