Seizures During Sleep Linked to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

New study provides first direct evidence of a seizure link in mysterious toddler deaths, sparking a need for further research.

New research suggests that seizures during sleep could be a cause of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), a condition where seemingly healthy toddlers and preschoolers suddenly die in their sleep with no clear cause identified in autopsies.
The study, conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, analyzed home monitoring video that captured the deaths of seven sleeping toddlers. Five of the toddlers died shortly after movements deemed to be brief seizures.
Seizures related to fever are common in young children, affecting 2% to 5% of children between ages 6 months and 5 years. While usually harmless, the study raises questions about whether they could sometimes be a warning of something more serious.
SUDC is estimated to claim over 400 lives a year in the U.S., with most deaths occurring during sleep. About 250 deaths a year are in 1- to 4-year-olds.
Further research is needed to understand the link between seizures and SUDC, and to determine if it's possible to identify children at risk.