A groundbreaking study in Ireland has revealed that approximately 33 people die each year from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), with a higher incidence among men and most deaths occurring while individuals are in bed. The study, conducted in 2019, found that SUDEP was only mentioned on death certificates in 52% of cases, highlighting the need for greater awareness and access to specialist care for epilepsy.
The research, led by Yvonne Langan from St James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, underscores the importance of understanding and communicating about SUDEP in Ireland. Epilepsy Ireland has emphasized the necessity for a national strategy to address SUDEP and other epilepsy-related deaths, with an estimated 130 deaths per year in the country.
Today, on SUDEP Awareness Day, the organization is advocating for increased awareness and education surrounding epilepsy and its associated risks. The study, published in the European Journal of Epilepsy, aims to improve the certification of deaths related to epilepsy to gather accurate data for monitoring mortality trends.
One poignant example of the impact of SUDEP is the untimely passing of Louise Young, a vibrant young woman from Co Wexford who tragically succumbed to the condition at the age of 24. Despite her epilepsy diagnosis at a young age, Louise lived life to the fullest, pursuing her dreams and advocating for epilepsy awareness.
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