Finding into death of Jeanette Hermassoo

63y · Female·Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Jeanette Hermassoo, a 63-year-old woman with epilepsy, died of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) while in custody or care at Austin Hospital on 2 November 2018. The coroner found the death was due to natural causes and determined no inquest was required. SUDEP represents a significant risk in patients with epilepsy, particularly those with uncontrolled seizures. Clinicians caring for patients with epilepsy should optimise seizure control through appropriate antiepileptic medication, ensure proper monitoring and supervision (especially during high-risk periods), educate patients and carers about seizure management and SUDEP risk, and consider seizure alert devices or enhanced monitoring in high-risk individuals. The exact circumstances surrounding her death and whether any preventive measures could have been implemented are not detailed in this brief finding.