Sudden death in epilepsy, surgery, and seizure outcomes: the interface between heart and brain

Abstract

A significant body of literature suggests that sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has a cardiac mechanism. Although a correlation has been established between freedom from seizures and reduced SUDEP risk, the exact relationship between seizure outcomes following epilepsy surgery and SUDEP is still being studied. Emerging evidence suggests that seizure outcomes following epilepsy surgery and risk for SUDEP may both be governed by a common underlying biologic process linked to cardiac changes and autonomic dysregulation.