SUDEP Action Day

Each year, the Epilepsy Foundation recognizes SUDEP Action Day — a day devoted to raising awareness around the world about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and inspiring action to save lives. Join the Epilepsy Foundation on October 18, 2023 and start a conversation about SUDEP and risk prevention. Only by talking about SUDEP, what it is, and how to prevent it, can we reduce risk.

What Are the Goals of SUDEP Action Day?

Encourage people with epilepsy to learn about SUDEP and their individual risk
Show what is currently being done to tackle SUDEP
Promote ways people can manage their epilepsy to reduce their risk
Highlight the need for more research into SUDEP to help save lives
Raise public awareness about SUDEP
Honor the lives of those we have lost

Start the Conversation

SUDEP Action Day is your opportunity to talk about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy with your healthcare provider and the epilepsy community. Only by talking about SUDEP, what it is, and how to prevent it, can we help to make a difference and reduce risk. Have honest conversations about SUDEP risks and prevention.

Find out how to have the conversation with your medical professional with our brochure, Asking Questions About SUDEP.

How to Get Involved

Change your Facebook or Twitter cover to support SUDEP Action Day.
Post a picture on your social media of you holding the SUDEP Action Day logo. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #MySafetyMatters and #SUDEP.
Use the hashtag #MySafetyMatters to talk about how you are reducing your SUDEP risk. Learn how to reduce your risk.
Talk to your healthcare provider about SUDEP. Share how the conversation went with the campaign hashtags.
Share posts on Facebook from SUDEP Action and Epilepsy Foundation. Retweet posts from @SUDEPAction and @EpilepsyFdn.
If you have lost someone to SUDEP or an epilepsy-related death, contribute to the North American SUDEP Registry.
Commemorate your loved one by sharing their name, photo, and story on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SUDEPActionDay2023 and #InMemory or by creating an eJourney in memory of your loved one.
Visit sudepactionday.org to find more ideas and resources

"#MySafetyMatters"

10 Ways To Reduce SUDEP Risk

SUDEP stands for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Learn more in this SUDEP FAQ.
SUDEP is linked to seizures; the best way to reduce your risk is to have as few seizures as possible. Find tips for managing epilepsy and seizures.
Take your medication regularly and reliably to get better seizure control. Learn more about medication adherence.
Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Make sure you have regular reviews. Find tips for talking with your health care team.
Discuss any lifestyle changes, such as having a baby or going to university, with your doctor.
Avoid excess alcohol consumption and using recreational drugs for better seizure control. Learn about preventing SUDEP.
Tell your doctor if your seizures have changed.
If your medication isn’t working, don’t settle for continued seizures. Ask your doctor what other options there might be, such as the ketogenic diet, surgery, or implanted neurostimulation devices. Learn about epilepsy treatments.
The risk of SUDEP varies from person to person. Not everyone with epilepsy is at risk; it is important you discuss your risk with your medical team. Find tips for talking about SUDEP.

Learn More And Share This Video

Dr. Jeff Buchhalter on the Ketogenic Diet and SUDEP
Provided by our partner, The Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies

on Monday, October 15, 2018

Reviewed By:

Alison Kukla MPH

on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.