“SUDEP:
The Global Conversation” Continues
New Book Presents our Current Understanding of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
ROME, August 29 – The
official book launch of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy - continuing the global conversation was announced at the 29th International Epilepsy Congress
meeting in Rome today.
The book blends case studies with scientific advances to bring the heartbreaking issue of
sudden unexpected death in epilepsy to life because by learning more, we can do more.
One in 100 people worldwide have epilepsy, the neurological condition characterized by
recurrent seizures.
Research studies have demonstrated that approximately 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy per year
die of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP.
The causes remain elusive, but identified risk factors include
frequent generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, seizures that are poorly controlled despite medication and epilepsy
requiring multiple anti-seizure medications.
People with epilepsy may reduce their risk by working with their
healthcare team to have as few seizures as possible. For some this could mean adjusting medications or
lifestyle factors, for others it could mean exploring different avenues of treatment, such as surgery.
Written for anyone with an interest
in epilepsy, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy - continuing the global conversation is a SUDEP digest, presenting
a current picture of SUDEP from perspectives both scientific and humane.
The collection of articles details current
understanding from an array of unique perspectives, provides insight through the sharing of personal stories and explains
the challenges of SUDEP around the globe.
“This is a welcome resource to assist in the challenge
to reduce epilepsy deaths”, says Mike Glynn, President International Bureau for Epilepsy.
Leading SUDEP authors in the medical, legal
and health professional fields and 16 families affected by SUDEP generously contributed their time and expertise towards this
project. The long-term goal for highlighting SUDEP is to further scientific research, to help better understand
the causes and to, ultimately, prevent these unexpected deaths.
Many SUDEP questions have yet to be answered, but the global debate continues in this
book, a follow-up to the 2005 publication Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: a global conversation. The editorial partnership has been further strengthened with SUDEP Aware (Canada) joining Epilepsy Australia and Epilepsy Bereaved (UK), and by the International Bureau for Epilepsy endorsing and supporting the publication as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“This
volume, six years after the first edition of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: a global conversation was introduced, brings
the field forward by leaps and bounds”, Solomon L. Moshe MD, President, International League Against Epilepsy.
In the struggle to increase awareness
and improve understanding of SUDEP, such a concise source of information for both professionals and the general community
is invaluable.
Visit the following website for updates as the global conversation
about SUDEP continues: www.sudepglobalconversation.com.
The full text is downloadable from the website and copies of the book are available from SUDEP Aware (email or call 416 556-8770).
