Disability in people with epilepsy: A nationally representative cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting millions globally.
• Disability and limitations associated with epilepsy can significantly impact quality of life.
• Understanding the prevalence and predictors of these limitations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and predictors of physical, mental, and social limitations in patients with epilepsy compared to those without.
• To quantify the association between epilepsy and the number and severity of limitations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2013-2018).
• Inclusion of participants aged 20 years and older.
• Classification of epilepsy based on prescription medication use for seizures.
• Assessment of limitations through interview questions and analyzed using negative binomial regressions.

Main Results:

• Individuals with epilepsy (0.8% of 17,057 participants) reported significantly higher rates of limitations (80% vs. 38%) and a greater mean number of limitations (7.5 vs. 2.4).
• Unadjusted analysis showed epilepsy associated with 3.1 times more limitations, but this was attenuated after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities (IRR: 1.2).
• Common limitations for epilepsy patients included stooping/kneeling/crouching, prolonged standing, and pushing/pulling; disability severity was consistently higher.

Conclusions:

• Patients with epilepsy face a substantially higher burden of physical, mental, and social limitations.
• The impact of epilepsy on limitations is partly explained by factors like smoking and depression severity.
• Targeted interventions focusing on mental health screening and lifestyle management are recommended to mitigate epilepsy-related disability.