Understanding Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death: What Is It?

 

Understanding Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death: What Is It?

 

In the past-and even today-the term “sudden unexplained nocturnal death” (known in Thai as Lai Tai) has often been used to describe unexpected deaths that occur during sleep, particularly when the exact cause is unknown. In many cases, such events have been linked to cultural beliefs or myths. However, modern medical science provides a clearer explanation for this condition.

Hospitals within the Prince Hospital Group aim to provide scientific knowledge and understanding about this condition so that people can recognize risks and seek appropriate medical care.

 

What Is Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death?

 

Sudden unexplained nocturnal death is commonly associated with Brugada Syndrome, a genetic heart disorder. This condition results from abnormalities in the way sodium ions move in and out of heart muscle cells, which disrupts the heart’s electrical system.

As a result, the heart may develop dangerous abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death, often occurring during sleep.

Although the condition may seem unpredictable, Brugada syndrome can be diagnosed by a physician through an electrocardiogram (ECG). Once identified, patients can take steps to avoid triggering factors and receive appropriate medical management.

 

What Are the Risk Factors?

 

While the condition is linked to genetics, certain triggers may increase the likelihood of symptoms in individuals who carry the condition. These factors include:

 

๐ High fever

๐ Alcohol consumption

๐ Use of sleeping pills or sedatives

๐ Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)

๐ ​Certain medications that affect heart rhythm

Managing or avoiding these triggers may help reduce the risk of sudden arrhythmias.

 

How Can Brugada Syndrome Be Treated?

 

Initial prevention focuses on reducing risk factors, such as controlling fever promptly with fever-reducing medication and limiting alcohol intake.

Modern medical treatments are also available. These may include:

 

๐ Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD):
A small device implanted in the body that can detect and correct dangerous heart rhythms by delivering an electric shock when necessary.

๐ Medications:
Certain medications may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

 

What Should You Do If Someone in the Family Has Symptoms?

 

Common symptoms associated with sudden arrhythmia or Brugada syndrome may include:

 

๐ Sudden loss of consciousness

๐ Seizure-like movements

๐ Cardiac arrest

 

If someone collapses or becomes unconscious:

 

๐ Lay the person flat on the ground.

๐ Call emergency medical services (1669 in Thailand).

๐ If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin chest compressions immediately. Press the chest down about 1.5 inches (4 cm) at a rate of approximately 100 compressions per minute until help arrives or the person regains consciousness.

๐ Do not force objects into the patient’s mouth, such as spoons or other hard items, as this may cause injury.

๐ Stay calm and remember that loss of consciousness may also be caused by other conditions such as epilepsy or heart disease.

 

 

source : PRINCE Hospital Suvarnabhumi

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team