Is a History of Seizures an Important Risk Factor for Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review This review examines the significance of seizures in young athletes and the complex inter-relationship between seizures, epilepsy, and sudden cardiac death. Recent Findings A history of seizures may reflect a diagnosis of epilepsy, which should be medically optimized for athletic participation. Epilepsy is associated with sudden unexplained cardiac death (sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, SUDEP), with multiple genetic links identified to define some patients as experiencing a “cardiocerebral channelopathy.” It is also important to consider that a history of seizures may reflect a misdiagnosis of cardiac syncope, requiring careful cardiac evaluation and risk stratification. Summary A history of seizures in a young athlete is important to characterize fully and investigate as required. The association of seizures with young sudden cardiac death is still under investigation.