Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: sudden death risk decreased by physical activity

Abstract

Epilepsy is the most commonest serious chronic neurological conditionand sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is probably the mostcommon direct epilepsy-related cause of death. Several suggestionshave been made concerning the mechanisms behind SUDEP, mostinvolving speculations on the possible role of autonomic effects suchas cardiorespiratory disturbances. Clinical and experimental studieshave shown that physical activity can decrease seizure frequency, aswell as lead to improved cardiovascular and psychological health inpatients with epilepsy. This article reviews the SUDEP phenomenonand the possible contribution of exercise in on the prevention of SUDEPamong patients with epilepsy.

Keywords

• Epilepsy
• Death
• sudden
• Exercise