A pregnant woman who passed away due to a seizure in her bedroom had not been adequately informed about the risks associated with her medical condition, as revealed in a recent inquiry.
Megan Gardiner, aged 25 and 17 weeks pregnant, was discovered deceased alongside her unborn child by her mother. Reports from the inquiry disclosed that Megan had a particularly severe form of epilepsy and had not received proper guidance regarding her medication during pregnancy.
Her mother, Alison Woolcock, found Megan in a distressing state between her bed and the wall in Barry, South Wales. The cause of her death was later determined to be Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in June 2022.
Epilepsy expert Kim Morley highlighted a series of care lapses in Megan’s treatment leading up to her tragic demise. Morley emphasized that Megan’s epilepsy had proven resistant to medication, posing a high risk of SUDEP due to lack of proper counseling and information disclosure.
Morley stressed the importance of providing comprehensive information for informed decision-making, particularly regarding the potential risks and effects of medication adjustments during pregnancy. She criticized the decision to decrease Megan’s Zonisamide without proper titration and cautioned against such actions that could have severe consequences.
The ongoing inquiry aims to investigate the medical advice and care Megan received during her pregnancy, including the medications she was prescribed. Describing Megan as a vibrant individual with a passion for makeup artistry, Woolcock expressed her fond memories of Megan’s ambitious nature and supportive demeanor.
Woolcock revealed that the risks of SUDEP were not explicitly discussed with Megan or her family, and potential dangers related to “sleep seizures” were not adequately communicated. Concerns were raised about Megan’s epilepsy care both before and during pregnancy, with discussions on new medications and the decision to avoid sodium valproate due to its risks for unborn babies.
The inquiry continues under the supervision of coroner Kerrie Burge, as Megan’s family seeks clarity and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing.