We propose that SUDEP may be caused by mutations in ion channel genes that are expressed in both the brain and the heart (e.g., KCNQ1 [8], KCNH2 [65], SCN1B [54], SCN5A [79], SCN8A [15], and SCN1A [this study and [25]). This evidence concerns the gene KCNQ1 and Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.