Today is SUDEP Action Day – a day in which Epilepsy Ireland raise awareness of a rare but devastating aspect of Epilepsy.
SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, and it is estimated that between 21-44 people sadly pass away due to SUDEP each year in Ireland.
SUDEP Action Day aims to raise awareness of SUDEP and to provide information to people with epilepsy and their families about steps which can be taken to help reduce the risk of SUDEP.
The day is also an opportunity for families to remember loved ones who have sadly passed away due to SUDEP.
We hope that someday in the not-too-distant future that we will know much more about SUDEP and how to prevent it. Key to achieving this goal is through registers like the Epilepsy Deaths Register for Ireland.
The register allows families (or their healthcare professionals) to input information about the death of a loved one who’s passing was believed to be due their epilepsy. This information could provide vital clues as to why the person died and potentially lead to breakthroughs in the prevention of epilepsy-related deaths in the future.
While we await such a breakthrough, today we focus on what we do know so please join with us and spread awareness of SUDEP amongst the epilepsy community as we join together to remember those who are sadly no longer with us.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
Further Reading:
- Further information on SUDEP
- The Epilepsy Deaths Register for Ireland