OBJECTIVES: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major cause of 
mortality in epilepsy. Despite its devastating consequences, SUDEP appears to be 
poorly discussed with patients by health professionals. The risk of causing 
psychological distress to the patient is highlighted as a reason for not 
discussing SUDEP. However, no studies have assessed the adult patients' views on 
this important question. We conducted this cross-sectional study to evaluate the 
awareness and perspectives on SUDEP among adult patients with epilepsy.
METHODS: One hundred five consecutive adult patients with epilepsy, referred to 
the Epilepsy Clinic of a tertiary hospital between October 2012 and November 
2013, were surveyed to ascertain their views and understanding of SUDEP. The 
data were analyzed using logistic regression to explore the association between 
patients' awareness of SUDEP and characteristics such as age, gender, duration 
of epilepsy, level of education, and employment.
RESULTS: Awareness of SUDEP among adult patients with epilepsy was poor (14.3%). 
However, the vast majority (89.5%) wished to be informed about SUDEP, and 59% 
requested detailed information. The treating neurologist was considered to be 
the most appropriate source of SUDEP information by 85.6% of patients. 
Multivariable analysis of the data showed no association between characteristics 
of patients (age, gender, duration of epilepsy, level of education, and 
employment) and their awareness of SUDEP or desire to get SUDEP-related 
information.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the majority of adult patients wish to be 
informed about SUDEP. This is in contrast to the general reluctance of medical 
professionals to inform all patients routinely about this condition.