The Epilepsy Foundation SUDEP Institute is proud to partner with SUDEP Action in recognizing October 23rd as SUDEP Action Day — a day devoted to raising awareness about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy around the world and inspiring action to save lives. SUDEP Action Day was previously known as SUDEP Awareness Day.
What is the Goal of SUDEP Action Day?
- Encourage people with epilepsy to learn about SUDEP and their individual risk
- Show what is currently being done to tackle SUDEP
- Promote ways people can manage their epilepsy to reduce their risk
- Highlight the need for more research into SUDEP to help save lives
- Raise awareness of SUDEP amongst the general public
- Honor the lives of all those who have died from the condition
2017 Theme: “Why”
This year, SUDEP Action is inviting you to ask these questions about SUDEP to get answers, inspire action, and highlight what more needs to be done:
- Why don’t more people know about SUDEP?
- Why is talking about SUDEP important?
- Why should people with epilepsy and their clinicians know about SUDEP risks?
- Why have you taken part in fundraising/awareness events to help shine a light on SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths?
- Why is it important to you that others get involved in SUDEP Action Day 2017?
How Can I Participate in SUDEP Action Day?
- Change your Facebook or Twitter cover to support SUDEP Action Day.
- Join the epilepsy community in asking why:
- Share the questions listed above and the #DareTo Say SUDEP Infographic and more resources. Post a picture of you holding either the infographic or SUDEP Action Day poster with the hashtag #SUDEPActionDay2017.
- Share pictures of your involvement in SUDEP Action Day.
- Use the campaign hashtag #SUDEPActionDay2017.
- Spot opportunities to raise local awareness and take action to prompt change:
- Share our SUDEP resources or host a talk for your community group.
- Post the infographic or poster on notice boards, in newsletters, free local papers, or shop windows.
- Bring materials to local events, like carnivals, community fairs, and sporting events.
- Contribute to an epilepsy death registry if you have lost someone to SUDEP or an epilepsy-related death. You can also commemorate your loved one by sharing their photo and name on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SUDEPActionDay2017.
- Tell someone why they should know about SUDEP and support SUDEP Action Day. Share your story. Tell them why knowing about SUDEP and epilepsy is important for raising awareness and encourage others to take action.
- Are you a healthcare provider? Get more information on SUDEP.
Inspire others to take action!
Things You Can Do to Reduce Your SUDEP Risk
- SUDEP stands for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Learn more in this SUDEP FAQ.
- SUDEP is linked to seizures; the best way to reduce that risk is to have as few seizures as possible. Find tips for managing epilepsy and seizures.
- Take your medication regularly and reliably to get better seizure control. Learn more about medication adherence.
- Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
- Make sure you have regular reviews. Find tips for talking with your healthcare team.
- Discuss any lifestyle changes, such as having a baby or going to university, with your doctor.
- Avoid excess alcohol consumption and using recreational drugs for better seizure control. Learn about preventing SUDEP.
- Tell your doctor if your seizures have changed.
- If your medication isn’t working, don’t settle for continued seizures. Ask your doctor what other options there might be, such as the ketogenic diet, surgery, or implantable devices. Learn about epilepsy treatments.
- The risk of SUDEP varies from person to person. Not everyone with epilepsy is at risk; it is important you discuss your risk with your health professionals. Find tips for talking about SUDEP.
Learn More and Share These Videos
Past Campaigns
- 2016 Theme: "United Against SUDEP"
- 2015 Theme: "Are You SUDEP Savy?"
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