Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: Evidence-based analysis of incidence and risk factors

Although studies on SUDEP are heterogeneous in methodology, consistent patterns in incidence and risk factors emerge. Low- and high-risk patient groups are identified, which determine the relative contribution of SUDEP to overall mortality in epilepsy. In addition to patient population, risk factors for SUDEP depend on the type of controls used for comparison (dead versus live patients with epilepsy). Risk factors found in different studies are not necessarily contradictory, but are often complementary.