Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): don't ask, don't tell?. Issue 2 (17th January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton, B; Richardson, A; Duncan, S
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 77:Issue 2(2006)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2006-01-17
• Subjects: NICE, National Institute for Clinical Excellence -- SIGN, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network -- SpR, specialist registrar -- SUDEP, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; epilepsy -- SUDEP; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.066852
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK has issued guidelines stating all individuals with epilepsy be given information about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Methods: We conducted a survey of current practice among UK neurologists, using a questionnaire sent to all practising neurologists in the UK listed on the Association of British Neurologists database, asking under what circumstances they told patients about SUDEP. Results: Of the validated respondents, 5% discussed SUDEP with all patients, 26% with a majority, 61% with a few, and 7.5% with none. The commonest reasons for SUDEP to be discussed were the patient asking about it and the neurologist counselling people with known risk factors for SUDEP. Conclusions: The variation we found, although not necessarily in tune with the guidelines, reflects the variation in patients' need for knowledge about their condition.