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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy: An interventional study using early physical consultation

May-Yi Koh1, Kheng-Seang Lim1, Si-Lei Fong1

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early physical consultation improved seizure control and reduced anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach shows global feasibility for managing neurological conditions amidst health crises.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Telemedicine

Background:

  • Telehealth adoption is limited in developing nations, necessitating alternative healthcare delivery models.
  • A modified approach integrating early physical consultation was implemented to address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The study investigated the efficacy of this intervention in mitigating clinical and psychological effects of COVID-19 in epilepsy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of early physical consultation in managing epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To assess the impact of the intervention on clinical outcomes, including seizure control.
  • To determine the influence of early physical consultation on the psychological well-being of patients, using standardized scales.

Main Methods:

  • Recruitment of patients with epilepsy who were previously enrolled in a COVID-19 impact study.
  • Provision of early physical consultation with a neurologist, incorporating stringent precautionary measures.
  • Assessment of clinical and psychological outcomes using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31).

Main Results:

  • A total of 312 patients completed the study, with 12.6% experiencing seizure worsening related to the pandemic.
  • Following intervention, 30.8% achieved better seizure control, and 51.1% experienced no seizures.
  • Significant improvements were observed in HADS anxiety and depression scores, as well as QOLIE-31 energy-fatigue and social function subscales.

Conclusions:

  • Early physical consultation, when implemented with strict safety protocols, is a feasible and effective strategy for managing epilepsy patients during pandemics.
  • The intervention demonstrated positive effects on psychological well-being and seizure control, highlighting its potential for broader application.
  • This approach offers valuable insights into adapting neurological care delivery in resource-limited settings during public health emergencies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Accessibility to clinical serviceAnxietyCOVID-19DepressionEpilepsy

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