The death of Cameron Boyce highlights the dangers of epilepsy



[ad_1]

The actor would have died in his sleep after having a seizure.

Share on Pinterest
Cameron Boyce began working as a child on Disney Channel shows. Getty Images

The death of actor Cameron Boyce this month at the age of 20 cruelly reminds us that epilepsy can be fatal.

Boyce was found dead at his home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, early in the afternoon of July 6. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner subsequently performed an autopsy and concluded that he had died of natural causes, but had chosen to postpone the cause of death pending. additional tests.

However, his family was more open.

"The tragic death of Cameron was due to a seizure resulting from a persistent illness. It was epilepsy, "spokesman for the Boyce family told ABC News in a statement released on Tuesday.

Their admission has raised questions and concerns from the public and many Boyce fans, including: how could a young man, otherwise healthy, die from this common neurological disease?

And while it is not possible to say with certainty, the medical experts contacted by Healthline have put their finger on SUDEP or the sudden and unexpected death of epilepsy, a rare but serious event occurring in people with dementia. 'epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures. This is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States and affects people of all ages. Sure 3.4 million people in the United States suffer from epilepsy or 1.2 percent Population.

Its characteristic feature, recurrent seizures, occurs due to abnormal changes in cerebral cabling. These signals can lead to mild sensations, behavioral changes and violent muscle spasms.

The crisis itself can lead to injury and death, such as falling and hitting the head or breaking a bone due to a moving limb.

SUDEP is the most common cause Deaths in children and adults with epilepsy and is classified differently from deaths that result from an injury sustained during a seizure. Each year, more than 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP.

Nevertheless, this is still a mystery.

"It's unclear why some people die as a result of their convulsions," said Dr. Fred Lado, PhD, regional director of epilepsy for the East and Central regions of Northwell Health. .

"What seems to be happening at a SUDEP event, is that there is a seizure. Then, the crisis ends and it often happens a few minutes after the crisis where it seems that often, people stop breathing as a result of the crisis, "said Lado.

Other likely mechanisms of the disease include cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest after a seizure, interference with brain function leading to dangerous changes in breathing and heart rate, or a combination of these factors.

The researchers also admit that the SUDEP could result from something else that has not yet been discovered.

PEDS occurs most often during sleep and may involve other risk factors.

"If a person has a seizure, it could be face-down and, in the state following the seizure, your brain is restarting. So you do not really have the consciousness of getting back on your back not to choke, "Dr. Asim Shahid, divisional head of neurology at Cleveland Medical Center teaching hospitals and chief of pediatric neurology at the hospital UH Rainbow Babies & Children & # 39; s.

In addition, at night, people with epilepsy are less likely to be observed, which means that help may not arrive on time. The presence of pillows and other bedding items can also increase the risk of choking during and after a seizure.

Each seizure presents the risk, even minimal, of the appearance of SEDEP, but we know that some populations have a higher risk than others.

"The most important factors for SUDEP are the type of seizures: we know that seizures have a stronger correlation with people dying of the disease, and uncontrolled seizures. Thus, if they have frequent seizures, they are more likely to die, "said Shahid.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (sometimes called grand mal seizures) are recognized as the most important risk factor for SUDEP.

Since it can be difficult to identify and deal with incidents involving SUDEP or near-SUPEP (when the individual survives the incident), preventive measures are of importance. capital city. The best prevention is to control seizures with the help of medications and a lifestyle.

Epilepsy can often be controlled by a variety of drugs. If you are taking medication for epilepsy, do not miss a dose.

"Drug compliance is very important," said Lado.

From a lifestyle perspective, avoid triggers known to cause seizures. These may include common medications such as nicotine and caffeine, lack of sleep, and flashing lights.

During a seizure, there is basic steps of first aid that the people involved can commit to help, including ensuring that the person in crisis is safely lying on the floor, loosening his clothes or jewelry around his neck and turning it over the side.

It's important do not put something in their mouths. A person who has a seizure can not swallow his tongue.

"Most of the witnesses are unlikely to be looking into a SUDEP case. They are much more likely to face a convulsion and know what to do, it will be more useful, "said Lado.

[ad_2]

Source link