A pregnant woman who passed away due to a seizure in her bedroom had not been adequately informed about the risks of her medical condition, according to an inquest.
Megan Gardiner, aged 25 and 17 weeks pregnant, was tragically discovered deceased alongside her unborn child by her mother in Barry, South Wales. The inquest revealed 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 critical condition between her bed and the wall. The medical cause of death was determined as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in June 2022.
Epilepsy specialist Kim Morley highlighted several shortcomings in Megan’s healthcare leading up to her demise. Morley emphasized the gravity of Megan’s epilepsy, stating that her seizures had never been effectively managed by her prescribed medications, which significantly increased the risk of SUDEP.
Morley stressed the importance of providing comprehensive information to patients to enable them to make informed decisions about their health. She expressed concerns about the lack of proper counseling in Megan’s case, particularly regarding the risks associated with her medication adjustments.
The inquest is investigating the medical advice and care Megan received during her pregnancy, as well as the specific medications she was prescribed. Describing Megan as “beautiful” and possessing a “wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor,” Woolcock shared fond memories of her daughter’s ambitions and personality.
Woolcock revealed that the potential risks of SUDEP were not directly discussed with either her or Megan, and that they were only mentioned in a general context. She also disclosed that if the family had been informed about the risk of Megan experiencing seizures during sleep, they would have taken precautions such as co-sleeping.
Concerns were raised by Megan’s family regarding the quality of her epilepsy care before and during pregnancy. The inquest disclosed that Megan had declined taking sodium valproate, a medication recommended by doctors, due to concerns about its impact on her unborn child.
The inquest continues as further details about Megan’s medical treatment and the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing are examined.
