Author: Beatrice G. Ioan

Ethical considerations in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)

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.