Fact Sheet on Seizure-Related Causes of Death and Preventative Measures

Fact Sheet on Seizure-Related Causes of Death and Preventative Measures

Deaths from seizures are uncommon, but do occur. People with seizure disorders (epilepsy) have an increased risk of death due to accidents from seizures such as drowning and other causes such as status epilepticus. In addition, there is a condition called Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). While these causes are all relatively uncommon, it is important to be aware of each and to take any necessary precautions.

• A 2008 study showed that people with epilepsy have 15 to 19 times higher risk of drowning compared to people without epilepsy. Therefore, it is essential for people with epilepsy and their caregivers to take steps to prevent accidents, such as taking showers instead of baths; taking medication regularly to control seizures; and having direct supervision when swimming.
• Most seizures end after a few seconds or a few minutes. If seizures are prolonged, or occur in a series, there is an increased risk of status epilepticus, which means a continuous state of seizure. It is usually defined as 30 minutes of uninterrupted or repetitive seizure activity without return to baseline; however the Epilepsy Foundation advises parents and the public to call for emergency assistance when the convulsion continues for more than 5 minutes without the person regaining full consciousness. About 15 percent of people with epilepsy experiences at least one episode of status epilepticus in their lifetime. It is most common in the young and the very old, with the lowest incidence between the ages of 15–40.
• Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a sudden occurrence of death during the course of normal activity in a person with epilepsy, and in the absence of other medical explanations. Young adults from late teens to about late 40’s appear to be at higher risk than other age groups. Overall, the risk of SUDEP for a person with epilepsy is small, occurring in 1 in 3,000 persons over a one-year period. The risk is extremely low for the vast majority of children and adults with controlled seizures. However, the risk can be as high as 1 in 100 person-years for those with frequent tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. It is important to strive for the best seizure control possible; to not adjust medications on your own; and to take medications on a regular basis, as prescribed.
• Currently, the best known means for preventing injuries and death associated with seizures is to prevent the seizures from occurring.

Fast Facts:  
Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder in the U.S. after Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. About as many people have epilepsy as have cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease—combined .

Epilepsy can begin at any age, but is more likely to begin in the very young and the very old.

Epilepsy affects more than 326,000 children under the age of 15. More than 90,000 children have severe seizures that cannot be adequately controlled.

About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national nonprofit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.