The role of alcohol dependency in deaths among people with epilepsy recorded by the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) in Ireland, 2004–2013

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate deaths among individuals with epilepsy recorded on the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI). Method A descriptive analysis of individuals with a known history of epilepsy in the NDRDI from 2004 to 2013 was undertaken. Results Between 2004 and 2013, 225 (2%) of the recorded cases had a documented history of epilepsy, 82 (36%) of whom had epilepsy recorded as the cause of death. Of these 82 deaths, the majority were male (60–73%) and half (median age) were aged 47 years or younger. A post mortem toxicology report was available for 65 (79%) of these deaths, of which over two thirds (44–68%) did not have any antiepileptic drugs present on toxicology. Over two thirds of these deaths, (31–70%) were among people known to be alcohol dependent. Conclusion The high percentage of individuals with a diagnosis of alcohol dependency that died as a result of epilepsy and who have no antiepileptic drugs in their system at the time of their death, highlights the need for preventative measures for this at-risk group.