Last Thursday, Kenneth participated in the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Epilepsy, of which he is Convener.
On this occasion, Vice-Convenor and SNP Colleague Alasdair Allan MSP took the chair.
The meeting focused on the Scottish Epilepsy Deaths Study conducted by Dr Gashirai Mbizvo, Clinical Research Fellow in Neurology at the Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre. He was introduced by Dr Susan Duncan, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Neurology.
This study used administrative data from death certificates, hospitalisations, and primary care to look at the occurrence, causes, and risk factors associated with epilepsy-related deaths.
The study found that the number one cause of mortality in people with epilepsy was sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), followed by respiratory complications and circulatory diseases. Mental health problems, largely related to alcohol addiction, were also a significant contributor.
This study will help inform policy to reduce the rate of epilepsy-related deaths, an unfortunately high number of which are avoidable.
Pictured above are Kenneth, Dr Duncan, Dr Mbizvo, and Alasdair Allan MSP.
ENDS
