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Published on: May 16, 2019
The impact of COVID-19 on patients with epilepsy
Gloria Maria de Almeida Souza Tedrus1, João Fernando Cloclet Pio da Silva2, Gabriel Santaterra Barros2
1Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Campinas SP, Brazil.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing can have adverse impacts on adult people with epilepsy (PWE).
Objective:
To investigate the seizure frequency, the perceived well-being, and the presence of anxiety symptoms in PWE during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Methods:
Data from a questionnaire on the repercussions of COVID-19 were analyzed in relation to the clinical variables of 114 PWE, with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results:
There were 26 cases of COVID-19 in PWE and/or family members (22.8%). During the pandemic period, 11 PWE (9.6%) reported an increase in seizures, but unrelated to COVID-19. Also, the number of crises in PWE with previous depressive disorders increased, with differences between epilepsies. Symptoms of depression, impaired well-being, and concern for their lifestyle were significant in PWE with a previous diagnosis of depression. Impaired well-being, increased anxiety, nervousness, and tiredness, and the concern with being infected were mentioned by a high number of PWE in the pandemic.
Conclusion:
Seizure frequency increased during the pandemic period, a finding associated with clinical variables of epilepsy. PWE with depression had worse perceived well-being. Changes in well-being and increased anxiety and nervousness were frequent in the pandemic.
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