Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

1 - Carol Davila University Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest

2 - Bagdasar-Arseni Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest

3 - C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology Bucharest

4 - Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest

5 - Gr.T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași

Correspondence: Florentina C Pleșa, plesacristina@yahoo.com

Received: February 12, 2017

Accepted: June 10, 2017

Abstract:

Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest diseases. Social stigma, misunderstanding and thus, discrimination have surrounded patients and their families from the beginnings until nowadays. Approximatively up to 80% of epilepsy cases worldwide are found in developing regions. The risk of premature death is two to three times higher than for the general population. There is contradictory evidences concerning the question of whether to inform patients about the possibility of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Actual guidelines states that individuals with epilepsy and their families or careers should be given access to information on SUDEP. We have information about how, when and what to say to the patients and families about SUDEP. But it’s a delicate subject, and some patients do not want to know that they are at risk for this.

Keywords:

Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

Cite this article

APA Style

Sîrbu, C.A., Sirbu, O.M., Sandu, A.M., Pleșa, F.C., & Ioan, B.G. (2025). Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (sudep). Romanian Journal of Military Medicine, 120(2), 54-57.

Vancouver Style

Sîrbu CA, Sirbu OM, Sandu AM, Pleșa FC, Ioan BG. Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Rom J Mil Med. 2025;120(2):54-57.

Harvard Style

Sîrbu, C.A., Sirbu, O.M., Sandu, A.M., Pleșa, F.C. & Ioan, B.G. 2025, 'Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)', Romanian Journal of Military Medicine, vol. 120, no. 2, pp. 54-57.