Anuj Thakur dies at 33: Neurologist reveals how night-time seizures turn dangerous and what to do | Exclusive
New Delhi: Television actor Anuj Thakur died at the age of 33 after suffering a seizure during sleep on October 27. He was known for his work in shows such as Dhoom Machao Dhoom, Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka, Beend Banoonga Ghodi Chadhunga and Mahisagar. His sudden death has drawn attention to seizures that happen at night, which often go unnoticed, and to why they can turn dangerous even in young, apparently healthy people.
In an exclusive communication to News9 Digital, Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv, Senior Consultant, Neurology and Head of Epilepsy Services, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, explains the warning signs, first aid, risk factors and safety steps for families. Read on for details.
Seizure during sleep: Symptoms, risks and first aid
Q. Can a person have a seizure in sleep without knowing it, and why do some seizures happen only during sleep? How common is this?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: A person can experience a seizure while sleeping without being aware of it. Some seizures involve sudden body movements, stiffening, jerking or unusual sounds, while others may cause only brief changes in behaviour or awareness. Certain types of epilepsy are more likely to cause seizures during sleep because changes in brain activity during different sleep stages can trigger abnormal electrical signals. A person may wake up feeling confused, unusually tired, with a headache or muscle soreness. Sleep-related seizures are recognised, but their frequency varies depending on the type of epilepsy.
Q. Why can a seizure during sleep be fatal, and how does it lead to death? Who is most at risk?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: In some cases, a seizure can interfere with normal breathing and heart function. Following a severe seizure, the brain may temporarily fail to regulate breathing properly. Oxygen levels can fall, and the person’s heart rhythm may also be affected. There is also a risk of choking or airway blockage. One recognised complication is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), where a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly without another clear cause. People with poorly controlled epilepsy, frequent seizures and seizures involving the entire body are at greater risk. However, it is important to remember that fatal outcomes are uncommon.
Q. Can a person with no known epilepsy or earlier seizure have a first seizure in sleep?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: Yes. A person can experience their first seizure during sleep without having any previous history of epilepsy. Seizures occur due to sudden abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They may sometimes be associated with sleep deprivation, infections, high fever, metabolic disturbances, low blood sugar, certain medications or withdrawal from alcohol. In some individuals, an underlying neurological condition may also be responsible. However, having one seizure does not automatically mean that a person has epilepsy. A first seizure requires immediate medical assessment to identify the cause and determine whether further treatment or investigations are necessary.
Q. Why are young adults sometimes affected, and does age change the risk?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: Seizures and epilepsy can affect people at any age, including otherwise healthy young adults. Being young does not automatically protect someone from neurological conditions. In some individuals, genetic factors or an underlying brain condition may contribute to seizures. Sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drugs and irregular sleep schedules can also trigger seizures in susceptible people. The causes of seizures can vary across age groups. While epilepsy is commonly diagnosed during childhood and older adulthood, young adults can also develop it. The important point is that an unexplained seizure should never be ignored simply because the person is young or appears healthy.
Q. How can a partner or family member recognise a seizure happening during sleep? What should family members do immediately? What to do if the person stays alone?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: A seizure during sleep may involve sudden stiffening, repeated jerking movements, unusual sounds, disturbed breathing or difficulty responding when someone tries to wake the person. After the episode, the individual may appear confused or unusually tired. Family members should stay calm, move nearby objects away, protect the person’s head and gently turn them onto their side when possible. Note how long the episode lasts. If the person stays alone, they should inform a trusted person about their condition, keep a phone accessible and discuss seizure-alert devices and an emergency plan with their doctor.
Q. What should people never do during a seizure?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: The most important thing is not to panic or attempt to forcibly stop the seizure. Never hold the person’s arms or legs down, as this can cause injuries. Do not put spoons, fingers, cloth or any other objects inside their mouth. A person cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure. Do not force water, food or medicines into their mouth while they are unconscious or confused. Instead, clear the surrounding area, protect their head and turn them onto their side when possible. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, repeats or affects breathing, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Q. Which habits and lifestyle changes lower the risk for people already diagnosed with epilepsy?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: The most important step is taking prescribed anti-seizure medication regularly without missing doses or stopping treatment without medical advice. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is equally important because sleep deprivation can trigger seizures. People with epilepsy should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drugs and other known personal triggers. Managing stress, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and following a regular daily routine can also support overall health. It is useful to maintain a seizure diary to identify patterns and possible triggers. Regular follow-ups with a neurologist help assess whether the treatment is working and whether any adjustments are needed.
Q. Are there safety measures for the bedroom, such as monitoring devices, bed position or sleeping alone?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: People who experience seizures during sleep should discuss bedroom safety with their neurologist. Keeping the bed low, removing sharp furniture and avoiding hard objects near the sleeping area can reduce the risk of injury. Some patients may benefit from seizure-monitoring devices that detect unusual movements and alert family members. However, these devices are not completely reliable and cannot guarantee prevention of serious complications. For people with frequent nighttime seizures, having someone nearby may help ensure quicker assistance. Sleeping arrangements should be decided according to the person’s seizure history, individual risk and medical advice rather than applying the same precautions to everyone.
Q. When should a person see a doctor after unusual night-time symptoms, and which specialist should they consult?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: Anyone experiencing unexplained nighttime movements, repeated jerking, sudden waking with confusion, tongue injuries, unexplained muscle soreness or unusual episodes of lost awareness should seek medical evaluation. A first suspected seizure requires urgent medical assessment, even if the person appears normal afterwards. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, happens repeatedly, or the person has difficulty breathing or waking up, emergency medical help is essential. A neurologist should be consulted for further evaluation. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may recommend an EEG to study brain activity, brain imaging and blood tests to identify the underlying cause.
Q. What is the one message the doctor wants readers to take away?
Dr Keni Ravish Rajiv: The most important message is that seizures during sleep should never be dismissed as ordinary sleep disturbances. They can occur in people who have never experienced a seizure before, and early medical evaluation is important to identify the cause. For people already diagnosed with epilepsy, regular medication, adequate sleep and medical follow-ups are essential to reduce the risk of further episodes. Families should also learn basic seizure first aid so they know how to respond during an emergency. While serious complications are possible, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and awareness can make a meaningful difference in managing epilepsy and improving patient safety.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the research and inputs shared by the doctor mentioned above and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be considered medical advice or used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.