How to Prevent SUDEP
Can Getting Good Care Of My Epilepsy Prevent SUDEP?
Yes it can help! The risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) is higher in people with uncontrolled seizures. Thus, having as few seizures as possible, or ideally zero seizures, is the best way to lessen your risk and prevent SUDEP. Getting the "best care" you can for your seizures will help improve seizure control.
Keep in mind that there’s a lot about SUDEP we don’t understand. People with epilepsy can still die from SUDEP, even with the best care and the best seizure control.
How Can I Get Better Control Of My Seizures?
There are lots of things you can do to get better seizure control. First ask yourself if you’re getting the quality of care that you need.
Then look at what steps you can take, such as:
- Taking your seizure medication consistently and at the right dose.
- Seeing your epilepsy doctor and other health care providers regularly.
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep each night.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol or using recreational drugs.
- Know what triggers your seizures and adjust your lifestyle and environment as needed.
- If medicines do not work, consider other therapies such as epilepsy surgery, devices, or dietary therapy.
- Be a good manager! Take good care of yourself. Eat well and regular exercise.
- Look at your stress level and how you can manage stress better.
- Track your seizures in your epilepsy diary. Note your triggers, when seizures occur, side effects or any medicine changes in the diary too! Knowing more about your seizures will help you and your health care team decide if changes in care are needed!
- Know your risks for seizure emergencies and SUDEP. Talk to your doctor to understand your risk and make a plan.
- #AimForZero seizures and SUDEP.
Learn More:
Toolkits for Seizures and WellnessHow Can I Be Prepared And Stay Safe?
- Make sure family, friends and co-workers know what to do for seizure first aid.
- Keep your Seizure Response Plan up-to-date and make sure people close to you know where it is and how to use it.
- Be seizure safe! Take extra precautions around water, including swimming and bathing.
- Since SUDEP occurs most often during sleep, consider a seizure alert monitor if you have seizures at night.
- People who have frequent seizures at night may want to share a room so help is available if needed.
- Talk about how you can still have privacy and make sure that everyone still gets a good nights sleep!
Can anti-suffocation pillows prevent SUDEP?
There is no data to support the use of these pillows to prevent SUDEP. They are made to help people who are at risk for suffocation. Talk to your health care provider about any possible benefits of these for you or your loved one.
Do audio and video monitoring devices or sleeping with someone else in the room help prevent SUDEP?
Having someone available at night who is able to provide help during and after a seizure may be one way to limit SUDEP. For example, a person could help provide first aid, keep the person on their side if they had a generalized seizure, and reposition them after the seizure so their breathing isn’t blocked.
However this is often not practical or desired, and more scientific evidence is needed to prove that it is effective in preventing SUDEP.
Several devices are being developed to detect seizures and alert caregivers when a seizure occurs. However, the devices may not alert you that your loved one has stopped breathing. Whether these devices can prevent SUDEP remains unknown.
Learn More:
The Role of Seizure AlertsResources
Epilepsy Centers
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Epilepsy Medication
Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Resources
Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.
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