Arrhythmias in the epilepsy monitoring unit: Watching for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Nurses who work with patients at risk for seizures should be informed that both adult and pediatric patients are at risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although the exact pathophysiology of SUDEP is not determined, patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy represent an at-risk population because of autonomic dysregulation. With prompt treatment, patients with near-SUDEP can continue to lead normal productive lives. This case series presents three patients with near-SUDEP diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy.