Stevens Johnson Syndrome complications are believed to have led to the death on Feb. 11 of Karen Morton, Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in 1978.

In addition to modeling for the magazine, Morton had a modest film career. She had a minor role in the Mel Brooks comedy The History of the World Part I, and had prominent roles in several music videos.

However, in 2004, Morton suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome or SJS. SJS is an autoimmune reaction wherein the body attacks its own skin. While the reaction usually attacks the skin and mucus membranes, in many cases the reaction spreads to the eyes. In Morton’s case, the reaction caused severe damage to her eyes, and blinded her. She continued to suffer from complications.

Some sources state that she died of either the culmination of a decade of these complications or simply “a long illness.” Even if it was not SJS that ultimately claimed Morton’s life, the reaction’s after-effects had a serious impact on the final 10 years of her life.

Unfortunately, SJS is rare enough that scientists have not had many opportunities to study the disorder, and many questions remain about the disease. In the vast majority of cases, various drugs seem to trigger it. However, a person may have taken the medications in question before with no ill effect. Extremely rarely, SJS may be the result of infection or — even more rarely — cancer.

It has not been publicly disclosed if Morton’s SJS was triggered by a drug or which specific medication caused it, but it was most likely caused by medication. Many common drugs have been linked to SJS, ranging from over-the-counter pain medications to prescription seizure drug and antibiotics.

Even though SJS is a relatively rare disorder, public awareness is growing. In 2013, August was dubbed “Stevens-Johnson Awareness Month” to raise the public’s awareness of the disease. When a celebrity dies of a disorder like SJS, it can also increase awareness, which can lead to better funding and even help physicians spot the reaction earlier on.

Lawsuits have been filed by victims of SJS and related disorders. These SJS lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with their drugs, but downplay them in order to continue to market the drugs. These lawsuits further allege that sometimes drug manufacturers actively conceal the risk of SJS from patients and physicians. These suits typically seek to recoup the cost of medical bills, long-term care to cope with disabling complications, and lost wages.

If you or a loved one developed SJS or TEN, you have almost certainly been through a trying ordeal. Even the mildest case of SJS is a major medical emergency and requires rapid treatment. In addition to the emotional strain and physical pain of this reaction, survivors and their family often face staggering medical bills. When facing such a situation, many feel overwhelmed and lapse into depression.