Deceased
JEANETTE HERMASSOO
Demographics
63y, female
Coroner
Coroner Darren Bracken
Date of death
2018-11-02
Finding date
2018-09-04
Cause of death
Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
AI-generated summary
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.
AI-generated summary — refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
IN THE CORONERS COURT OF VICTORIA AT MELBOURNE Court Reference: COR 2018 005533
Form 38 Rule 60(2) Section 67 of the Coroners Act 2008
I, DARREN J. BRACKEN, Coroner, having commenced an investigation into the death of JEANETTE HERMASSOO without holding an inquest:
Find that:
The identity of the deceased was:
Surname: HERMASSOO Given names: JEANETTE Date of Birth: 30" July 1955
The death occurred: On 2" November 2018 at Austin Health, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg,
Victoria 3084 The cause of death was:
(1a). SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN EPILEPSY
(a) The deceased was immediately before death a person placed in custody or care as contemplated by section 52(2)(b) of the Coroners Act 2008 such that pursuant to section 52(1) of the Act, but subject to section 52(3A) of the Act, I must hold an Inquest.
(b) On the 11" December 2018, and after having conducted a medical examination on the deceased medical examiner Dr Sarah Parsons provided me with a report that included an opinion that the death was due to natural causes.
(c) During the course of my investigation I identified no other issues which require further investigation.
Having been provided with the report referred to in paragraph 1(b) above I consider that the cause of the death was due to natural causes. Pursuant then to section 52(3A) of the Act, I am not required to and have determined not to hold an inquest.
I direct this finding be published on the Coroners Court of Victoria website pursuant to section 73(1B) of the Act 2008.
Mrs Pauline Chapman, Austin Health; Office of the Disability Services Commissioner; and,
Acting Sergeant Josh Telfer, Coroner’s Investigator, Victoria Police.
Signature:
Date: 4% Saber} Laaiatl
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