Seizures and Sudden Death in Epilepsy Patients

A gene crucial for heart and brain development may be associated with sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), the most common cause of early mortality in epilepsy patients. Scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have created a new animal model for SUDEP and have shown that mice who have a partial deficiency of the gene SENP2 (Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 2) are more likely to develop spontaneous seizures and sudden death. The finding ...