Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of death in people with drug resistant epilepsy. In adults with epilepsy, the risk for SUDEP is 1 per 1000 person years. In those with drug resistant epilepsy, the risk is much higher, ranging from 2 to 5 per 1000 person years. Significant progress has been made in understanding the risk factors for SUDEP in cohort and population studies, and ongoing research is focusing on genetics, biomarkers, and pathophysiologic mechanisms. There is interest in device-based technologies which may integrate physiologic parameters (oxygen saturation, heart rate, baroreceptor sensitivity, heart rate variability, movement, skin impedance and other variables) to alert patients of impending seizures. New pharmacological interventions are also needed to prevent or abort seizures and reduce the risk of SUDEP. New clinical trial designs for drug trials are needed to reduce the risk for SUDEP in subjects assigned to placebo, who carry a higher risk for SUDEP.
In this Research Topic, we welcome original submissions in pharmacology, engineering, population studies, genetics, basic science and clinical investigations which have the potential to significantly advance the field.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of death in people with drug resistant epilepsy. In adults with epilepsy, the risk for SUDEP is 1 per 1000 person years. In those with drug resistant epilepsy, the risk is much higher, ranging from 2 to 5 per 1000 person years. Significant progress has been made in understanding the risk factors for SUDEP in cohort and population studies, and ongoing research is focusing on genetics, biomarkers, and pathophysiologic mechanisms. There is interest in device-based technologies which may integrate physiologic parameters (oxygen saturation, heart rate, baroreceptor sensitivity, heart rate variability, movement, skin impedance and other variables) to alert patients of impending seizures. New pharmacological interventions are also needed to prevent or abort seizures and reduce the risk of SUDEP. New clinical trial designs for drug trials are needed to reduce the risk for SUDEP in subjects assigned to placebo, who carry a higher risk for SUDEP.
In this Research Topic, we welcome original submissions in pharmacology, engineering, population studies, genetics, basic science and clinical investigations which have the potential to significantly advance the field.