Finding into death of Heather Joan Moody

77y · Female·Pneumonia with contributing factors of acquired brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy

A 77-year-old woman with acquired brain injury, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and intellectual disability died of pneumonia while an SDA resident. She presented with breakthrough seizures and aspiration pneumonitis on 16 August 2024 and was admitted to hospital under neurology care. She had worsening respiratory function complicated by rhinovirus infection. Goals of care discussions occurred on 19 August, with fluctuating clinical course between active treatment and palliative care before death on 29 August. The family was satisfied with care provided. This case highlights the complexity of managing seizures and aspiration risk in patients with multiple neurological conditions, and the importance of early recognition of respiratory compromise and timely palliative care discussions.