Environmental air pollution is an aggravating event for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Abstract

It is extremely difficult to estimate the occurrence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). On the other hand, discovering and carefully evaluating new risk factors that may contribute to the onset of cardiovascular abnormalities in people with refractory epilepsy may prevent fatal events in these individuals. In this context, we should not ignore that urban air pollution is a leading problem for environmental health and is able to cause serious cardiovascular dysfunctions that culminate in sudden death. In this regard, we aimed to determine whether environmental exposure to air pollution is an aggravating event for SUDEP.

Air pollution and risk of hospitalization for epilepsy: the role of farm use of nitrogen fertilizers and emissions of the agricultural air pollutant, nitrous oxide

“…Animal studies indicate that ozone exposure may exert a protective effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures through the restoration of cellular redox balance and regulation of the A1 adenosine receptor 4 . These studies cumulatively provide evidence in support of the claims made by Scorza et al 1 for a role of air pollution in modulating the risk of hospitalization for epilepsy.…”