Assessing the link between omega-3 fatty acids, cardiac arrest, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Abstract

People with epilepsy may have abnormal cardiac function. This has been linked to a greater incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). In the present review, we assess the evidence linking cardiac failure to SUDEP, and propose the use of the maximal pentylenetetrazol seizure test to model SUDEP in animals to identify causal links between cardiac failure and SUDEP. We also discuss recent claims on the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce the incidence of SUDEP because of their cardioprotective and anticonvulsant effects.