SUDEP RISK FACTORS

There are many suspected risk factors to be involved with SUDEP. There are certain risk factors that have more evidence.

• The risk factor with the strongest link to SUDEP is the seizure frequency.
• It is suspected that as the annual occurrence of seizures increases so doses the risk of SUDEP.
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures place patients at a higher risk for SUDEP.
• Younger adults and those with cognitive dysfunction may be the most common groups which are affected by SUDEP; however, studies are conflicting on these matters and cause of mortality as SUDEP may be reported more often in young adults compared to older adults.
• Lack of anti-epileptic therapy is a risk factor for SUDEP as is non-compliance.
• Polytherapy with anti-epileptics is a risk factor for SUDEP as drug resistant epilepsy is implied.
• Some studies have associated that the earlier the age of onset of epilepsy is as risk factor for SUDEP.