Death in epilepsy: is it preventable?

The risk of premature death is higher in people with epilepsy, but many other factors have a potentially bigger role than epilepsy and its treatment. Most people with epilepsy will not die as a direct result of their epilepsy, but as a result of the underlying disorder causing epilepsy and of comorbidity, both somatic and psychiatric. Death in epilepsy is preventable. All patients require accurate diagnosis and optimal seizure control, treatment of the underlying cause when possible, minimising treatment side effects and maximising compliance. Comorbidities need to be recognised and treated. For optimal outcomes, we need to listen to our patients, and to all people we care for.