The exact mechanism of sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy are unclear. Several different mechanisms may be involved, and there may be no single explanation for all cases. The two primary explanations that are most likely are :

Cardiac : If there is an electrical storm in the brain it may spreads to areas that control heartbeat this could cause a fatal cardiac event

Respiratory : an electrical storm may spread to the part of the brain responsible for respiration. It is known that many people who experience seizures stop breathing for a significant time.

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