Answered Questions is a monthly resource for the Spanish language Disability Community that fills an information need. This month’s question is: I was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and found out that November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. What research, information and resources are available so that I can learn more about my diagnosis? This edition of Answered Questions includes items that define epilepsy; discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on epilepsy care centers; discuss the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of seizures in the intensive care unit; discuss the effect of pre-existing seizure disorders on mortality and stays in the hospital after a burn injury; and discuss NIDILRR-funded research on who is most likely to have seizures after a traumatic brain injury (TBI); among others. More about Answered Questions.
What is Epilepsy?
According to the Mayo Clinic (in English), epilepsy (in English) is “a brain condition that causes recurring seizures.” There are many types of epilepsy, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, and clonic seizures, among other types. Epilepsy is common and it is estimated that 1.2% of people in the US have active epilepsy. It affects people of all genders, races, ethnicities, and ages. Seizures may vary widely. Some people may lose awareness during a seizure, while others may not. Some people may stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. For about half the people with epilepsy has no identifiable cause. While for the other half, epilepsy may be traced to various factors, such as genetic influence, head trauma, infections, and an injury before birth, among other factors. Treatments for epilepsy may include medicine or sometimes surgery to control seizures. Some people may require lifelong treatment. For others, the seizures may go away.
From the NARIC Collection:
The article, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on epilepsy center practice in the United States (in English), discusses a study that examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on inpatient epilepsy in the US, focusing on changes on resources, admissions, and procedures among epilepsy centers accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. Survey participants attributed reduced admissions to re-assigning epilepsy unit beds, restrictions on elective admissions, and reduced staffing, among others. The researchers found that treatment surgeries declined and that all other procedure volumes increased. The results show that adult patients in the US in the eastern half of the US were most affected by the pandemic.
Prevention, treatment, and monitoring of seizures in the intensive care unit (in English) reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of seizures on the critically ill, various seizure-monitoring modalities, and recommended medical therapies. The article discusses outcomes in patients with unidentified seizure activity tending to be poor and how their mortality significantly increases in those who have seizure activity longer than 30 minutes. The authors suggest that prompt diagnosis and provision of medical therapies may be crucial to attain successful seizure termination and prevent poor outcomes.
The effect of pre-existing seizure disorders on mortality and hospital length of stay following burn injury (in English) discusses a study that examines the association between pre-existing seizure disorders (PSD) and burn injury outcomes. The study found that there was no difference in mortality between patients with or without PSD. The study also found that patients with PSD had significantly increased odds of longer stays in the hospital.
Research In Focus:
Who is Most Likely to Have Seizures After a Traumatic Brain Injury? describes a NIDILRR-funded study from the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System Centers (in English) that looked at factors that could put people at higher risk for seizures during the first two years after a TBI. According to the authors, those participants who had brain surgeries after their TBI had a higher risk of seizures. Although brain operations such as craniotomies and craniectomies may be life-saving and necessary for healing, they can also increase seizure risk. The authors noted that patients who receive these surgeries may benefit from increased monitoring and may also benefit from taking medications to prevent seizures. This article is also available in English.
Employment:
The Economic Aspects of Epilepsy (abstract in English) discusses a study on how the economic magnitude of epilepsy is determined by its effect on the employment status of people with epilepsy, the cost of drug treatment, the healthcare system, and repercussions worldwide. Previous studies show that epilepsy has economic importance due to the sum of the direct and indirect costs caused by this disorder. The study showed that the economic impact of epilepsy is added to the repercussions of the disorder on the person with epilepsy and their family. The authors suggest that the different cost distributions between children and adults with epilepsy may suggest the need for interventions at an early age to reduce the long-term economic and personal repercussions.
Mental Health and Epilepsy:
The article, Depression in People with Epilepsy. What is the Connection? (abstract in English), discusses a study that looked at the commonality of depression in people with epilepsy and how it worsens the prognosis and quality of life for this community. The study found that the relationship between epilepsy and depression is complex and suggests the possibility of a bidirectional relationship that may be explained by common mechanisms.
Resources:
- Seizures after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a factsheet developed by the NIDILRR-funded Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) (in English) and that provides information about seizures that may occur after a TBI. The factsheet discusses symptoms and risk factors, medications, safety issues, and what to do if medications don’t work, among other topics. This factsheet is also available in English.
- The Epilepsy Foundation (in English) shines a light on epilepsy by promoting awareness and understanding, advocating for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, and funding epilepsy research. The Foundation’s programs support people living with epilepsy, families, friends, and caregivers and tackle complex issues, provide support, and bring joy to children living with epilepsy.
Courses:
- The Epilepsy Foundation created a new Spanish-language epilepsy learning portal that offers online and on-demand trainings for seizure first aid and other topics in Spanish. The portal includes a wide variety of courses and a section on frequently asked questions.
Further Research:
REHABDATA:
PubMed:
International:
Each month, we look through the searches on our blog and through the information requests made by our patrons who speak Spanish and pick a topic that fills the largest need. Each resource mentioned above is associated with this month’s information need. We search the various Spanish language news sources and feeds throughout the month to bring you these articles. With the exception of the NIDILRR Projects, From the NARIC Collection, and Further Investigation, all the linked articles and resources are in Spanish – any that are in English will be clearly marked.
