SST-PERIPH+ neurons represented from 21% (in definite SUDEP) to 31% (in non-epilepsy sudden death controls) of all neurons (Fig. 1I); total neuronal counts were significantly lower in SUDEP groups compared to non-epilepsy controls and non-epilepsy sudden death controls (P ≤ 0.01) with less significant reductions noted for epilepsy controls and Dravet syndrome compared to non-epilepsy controls (Table 3 and Fig. 1I) (P < 0.05 to 0.01). Here, SST is linked to encephalopathy, progressive, early-onset, with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy.