Articles
Below are articles about epilepsy or SUDEP. Check back often to read more.
What is Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy?
Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy or SUDEP is the term used to describe when a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly without a clear cause. The condition was first observed in 1854, however, a formal definition is still being debated today.
Canada AM News Clip explains SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy)
Dr. Peter Carlen, neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital, explains how Jett Travolta was killed by a seizure, as confirmed by his death certificate. (Watch video on Canada AM TV site.)
Ketogenic diet for epilepsy
The ketogenic diet tries to force the body to use more fat for energy instead of sugar (glucose) by increasing fat and restricting carbohydrates. (Read the complete article on the HealthLink BC web site. 22 Jan 2008)
Stalked by seizures
Life with a seizure-prone child involves living two existences at the same time. In one sunlit existence, you and your family do all the things other people do: You plan your day, your week, your lives. You use the words that other people use: “On Saturday, we’re going to drop off the videos, then pick up some groceries.” You actually believe, like most folks do, that these things are in your control and will take place as planned.
Then there’s the other existence, the shadow life, where Chaos lurks at the entrance of his alleyway, leaning back on a graffiti-covered wall, arms folded, a mocking grin on his face. Just watching. (Read the complete article on The Globe and Mail web site.)
Epilepsy has been overlooked and underfunded
Up to 50,000 Americans die each year from seizures and related causes, including drownings and other accidents; one in 10 people will suffer a seizure in their lifetimes. By some estimates, the mortality rate for people with epilepsy is two to three times higher—and the risk of sudden death is 24 times greater—than that of the general population. There are 200,000 new cases each year, and a total of more than 3 million Americans are affected by it—more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined. Between 1 and 3 percent of the population will develop some form of epilepsy before age 75.
The toll of epilepsy has been overlooked—and the research underfunded—for too long. A call to action. (Read the complete article on Newsweek web site.)
The Axelrod’s battle with epilepsy.
Epilepsy entered our lives more than 25 years ago, and unless things change, I fear that outcomes for families in the future won’t be any better than they were for us. (Read the complete article on Newsweek web site.)
A call to arms in the epilepsy fight – readers letters.
‘The Mystery of Epilepsy’: Readers hailed our April 20 cover story on epilepsy, a devastating, and often misunderstood, disorder. A teenager confessed to feeling “now more understood and most importantly, more normal.” While others related tales of triumph and tragedy, all underscored the need for increased funding and research. As for the stigma factor, one reader admitted to “only recently coming out of the closet.” One mom said it best: “My daughter has more spunk and courage than a combat unit. She also happens to have epilepsy.” (Read the complete article on Newsweek web site.)
