[4][5] The causes of SUDEP seem to be multifactorial[2] and include respiratory, cardiac, and cerebral factors as well as the severity of epilepsy and seizures.
[5] Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include seizure-induced cardiac and respiratory arrests.
[6] Rates of death as a result of prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) are not classified as SUDEP.
[7] The overarching term SUDEP can be subdivided into four different categories: Definite, Probably, Possible, and Unlikely.
[17] Currently, the most effective strategy to protect against SUDEP in childhood epilepsy is seizure control, but this approach is not completely effective and is particularly challenging in cases of intractable epilepsy.