Today is European Epilepsy Day, time to reflect on epilepsy and its seriousness and impact. This year there is special attention for sudden death in epilepsy.
The numbers
In the United Kingdom, 500 to 1000 patients die each year from SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. There are no figures available for the Netherlands yet.
Hard to treat
SUDEP seems to occur mainly in people with a difficult-to-treat form of epilepsy. No treatment has yet been discovered to prevent it. The only way to reduce the risk is to strive for freedom of attack.
Research
The Epilepsy Institutions Foundation Netherlands has taken the initiative to develop information material about epilepsy together with epilepsy centres, professional associations and patient organisations. In addition, scientific research is being conducted into SUDEP and a better understanding of the consequences of epileptic seizures.
Do you also want to draw attention to epilepsy?
That's possible. For more information, visit the website of the Epilepsy Institutions Foundation in the Netherlands.
Image:Shutterstock
