A Rare Case Report of Sudden and Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) In a Child

Abstract

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a term used when a person suffering from epilepsy dies suddenly, after an episode of seizures and the reason for the death is attributed to unexplained respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Post mortem examination usually reveals no abnormalities in victims. SUDEP accounts for 8-17% of deaths in people with epilepsy. It usually occurs in young adults, the average age being 28-35 years and it rarely occurs in children. The most important 'risk factors' probably are poor seizure control and seizures occurring during sleep.We report a case of an 8 year old mentally challenged boy, staying in a ‘home’ for children, certified to have mental retardation with 75% mental disability with seizure disorder for the past 4 years and on treatment with anticonvulsants was brought dead to casualty. History from the investigating officer revealed that the child had seizures during sleep and was found dead.