The Royal College of Pathologists is facilitating an audit of epilepsy deaths, working closely with the Epilepsy Bereaved, a national charity. Epilepsy Bereaved has been funded by the Department of Health through the National Institute of Clinical Excellence to co-ordinate this project as part of a UK wide investigation of epilepsy deaths. This audit forms one of a series of initiatives to improve epilepsy services conducted under the umbrella organisation of the Joint Epilepsy Council.
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder.
Every year mortality statistics record about 1000 people dying in the UK from epilepsy. Some of these deaths are due to accidents or a condition known as status epilepticus. A large number of epilepsy deaths, however, are not adequately explained. Often the person dies alone in their sleep and the excess mortality is greatest amongst young adults. The aim is also to improve understanding by professionals of the needs of relatives during the investigation of an epilepsy death.