Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: An Italian expert consensus statement on risk, mechanisms, prevention, and therapeutic strategies

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of premature mortality in people with epilepsy, particularly in those with tonic-clonic seizures (TCSs), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), and drug-resistant epilepsy. Although awareness of SUDEP has increased, major uncertainties remain regarding individualized risk stratification, mechanistic interpretation, and implementation of preventive strategies in routine care. This Italian expert consensus statement was developed to formalize a shared multidisciplinary position on SUDEP risk profiles, pathophysiological mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic strategies.