Neurologists' perspectives on <scp>SUDEP</scp> communication: A comparative study across five European countries

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in people with epilepsy, and international guidelines recommend discussing this risk early after diagnosis. This study surveyed 313 neurologists from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Spain, and Hungary to understand their views on SUDEP communication. Results showed large differences between countries in how often and how openly neurologists discussed SUDEP. Barriers included time constraints, fear of upsetting patients, and doubts about patients' understanding. UK neurologists were more likely to have these conversations than their European peers. More training is needed to support consistent and effective SUDEP communication across countries.

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Publication Details

Journal
Epilepsia Open
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/epi4.70129
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Epilepsy research and treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.94
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article

Neurologists' perspectives on SUDEP communication: A comparative study across five European countries

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2 citations
Epilepsia Open
Epilepsy research and treatment
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article

Neurologists' perspectives on SUDEP communication: A comparative study across five European countries

Torbjörn Tomson, Paul Bassett, Johan Zelano, Vicente Villanueva, Lance Watkins, Anna Kelemen, Seungyoun Moon, Oliver Henning, Zsófia Jordán, Rohit Shankar, Nandan Ravichandra
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in people with epilepsy, and international guidelines recommend discussing this risk early after diagnosis. This study surveyed 313 neurologists from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Spain, and Hungary to understand their views on SUDEP communication. Results showed large differences between countries in how often and how openly neurologists discussed SUDEP. Barriers included time constraints, fear of upsetting patients, and doubts about patients' understanding. UK neurologists were more likely to have these conversations than their European peers. More training is needed to support consistent and effective SUDEP communication across countries.

Epilepsia OpenVol. 10(5)
Semmelweis University (HU), Oslo University Hospital (NO), University of South Wales (GB), Swansea Bay University Health Board (GB), University of Debrecen (HU), North East London NHS Foundation Trust (GB), Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SE), Karolinska Institutet (SE), Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe (ES), Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (GB), Cardiff University (GB), Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (GB), University of Gothenburg (SE), University of Plymouth (GB), University of Wales (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Epilepsy research and treatment
2.94
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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