Not every epilepsy-related death is SUDEP
Epilepsy deaths
Our services are available to anyone following an epilepsy-related death
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SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy)
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Accidents
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Status Epilepticus. where there is evidence of a seizure or series of seizures lasting more than 30 minutes
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Suicide
The causes of epilepsy-related deaths include:
Epilepsy deaths
You do not have to be a close relative of someone who has died to access our services. We support anyone affected by grief, including family and friends.
Accidents
Having seizures can increase risks, particularly if they leave you feeling confused or unaware of your surroundings. This can increase the risk of accidents, injuries and drowning.
Status Epilepticus
This is when there is evidence of a seizure or a series of seizures lasting longer than 30 minutes. It can occur with any type of seizure but convulsive (tonic-clonic) status epilepticus is the most dangerous and can sometimes be a cause of death.
Suicide
People with epilepsy are at increased risk of suicide compared to people who do not have epilepsy.
It’s known that people with epilepsy are at greater risk of mental health problems and depression.
It’s vital that you seek support if you are struggling
Talking to someone is the first and most important step in getting help. Talk to your GP or epilepsy specialist / specialist nurse.
We offer a specialist support service for the bereaved and information & advice through the inquest process. We also offer opportunities for peer group support.
Epilepsy deaths
Support following a death
It’s important to get support as soon as possible following a death. Our casework and bereavement services are integrated. We know it is important that the bereaved are signposted to us early and do not have to distinguish between different organisations or explain what has happened over and over again. Generic bereavement support cannot provide what families need. Instead what is needed is expert advocacy and casework, combined with specialist bereavement support.
Also see
Supporting children, their families and their health professionals
For one-to-one support after an epilepsy death contact our support team today
We provide the only support line for people bereaved by an epilepsy death and offer access to qualified counsellors who have a special interest and understanding in sudden and traumatic death.
