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We provide you with articles on brain science, timely topics, and healthy living for those affected by neurologic challenges or seeking better brain health.  

Disorders

Cameron Boyce's Death Spreads Awareness of SUDEP in Epilepsy

Cameron Boyce
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com

Cameron Boyce, known for his roles in Disney Channel’s Jessie and Descendants, died on July 6, 2019, because of a seizure that was a result of ongoing epilepsy. The Cameron Boyce Foundation, established shortly after his death, partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation to create K(NO)W SUDEP NOW! to bring awareness and to end sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure occurs when normal patterns of brain activity are temporarily disturbed and cells begin to fire abnormally. The disorder is very common and can appear at any age, but most often begins in childhood. 

[Read more: Epilepsy symptoms, causes, seizure types, and safety tips.]

What is SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy)?

SUDEP is an uncommon complication that can occur in patients with epilepsy. SUDEP happens when “a person with epilepsy who is otherwise healthy dies suddenly, within minutes, not from any other cause, and often occurs after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure,” says Dr. Cynthia L. Harden, lead author of the American Academy of Neurology’s SUDEP Guideline. One in 1,000 adults and one in 4,500 children with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year.

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To learn more about this neurologic disorder, read "What is epilepsy?"