Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · May 2019
ReviewQualitative insights into the feelings, knowledge, and impact of SUDEP: A narrative synthesis.
People with epilepsy (PWE) have a two- to threefold increased chance of premature death due to the condition. Interested in exploring the first-person perspective on this topic, we conducted a narrative synthesis to present the qualitative insight of PWE, their family, friends, and healthcare providers (HCPs) in relation to epilepsy-related death. A comprehensive electronic search of all peer-reviewed qualitative studies was conducted through databases using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. ⋯ The literature focused on the education of PWE and their family in relation to SUDEP, and therefore, there is a lack of discussion on the general topic of epilepsy-related death. Findings show the conflicting perceptions, feelings, and thought processes that occur in learning about and deciding to discuss SUDEP as a HCP, PWE, or family/friend of a PWE. The literature suggests that it would be appropriate and necessary to discuss the topic of SUDEP with patients and their family members upon diagnosis.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · May 2019
Long-term efficacy and safety of lacosamide and levetiracetam monotherapy in elderly patients with focal epilepsy: A retrospective study.
Epilepsy management in elderly patients is often complex because of several concomitant comorbidities that may limit the use of some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Levetiracetam (LEV) is a second-generation AED widely used in elderly patients with epilepsy while lacosamide (LCM), which has been recently approved in European Union (EU) as monotherapy for the treatment of focal onset seizures, is affected by a scarcity of data in such frail population. This study is aimed at assessing the efficacy and the tolerability of LCM as monotherapy in elderly patients affected by focal onset epilepsy compared with those receiving LEV. ⋯ Epilepsy management in elderly patients is often challenging. In this retrospective real-life study, the efficacy and the tolerability of LCM as monotherapy was favorable even at low doses in older patients and comparable with LEV with a high rate of long-term seizure freedom. Considering the frequent comorbidities and the risk of drug-drug interactions, LCM monotherapy may be a valuable option in elderly patients with focal onset epilepsy because of its favorable pharmacokinetic profile.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · May 2019
Seizure-alerting behavior in dogs owned by people experiencing seizures.
The unpredictability of epileptic seizures is considered an important threat to the quality of life of a person with epilepsy. Currently, however, there are no tools for seizure prediction that can be applied to the domestic setting. Although the information about seizure-alert dogs - dogs that display changes in behavior before a seizure that are interpreted by the owner as an alert - is mostly anecdotal; living with an alerting dog (AD) has been reported to improve quality of life of the owner by reducing the stress originating from the unpredictability of epileptic seizures and, sometimes, diminishing the seizure frequency. ⋯ This study collected a large group of dog owners with seizures reporting behavioral changes in their dogs before their seizures occurred. This was associated with the presence of preictal symptoms. The seizure-alerting behavior of the dog may have a positive influence on the bond between the owner and the dog.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Apr 2019
Level of empowerment and decision-making style of women with epilepsy in childbirth age.
This research investigates level of empowerment, decisional skills, and the perceived relationship with the clinician, of women in childbirth age, also in relationship with clinical variables such as epilepsy type, seizure frequency, therapy, and pregnancy status. In particular, as concerning therapy, we were interested in women who take valproic acid (VPA), for its specific balance of risks and benefits, especially in pregnant women. ⋯ Shared decision making including improved decision quality, more informed choices and better treatment concordance, should be a central part of epilepsy care. In addition, for clinicians it would be useful to have specific tools to know if the patient has really understood the risks and benefits of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly VPA, and all treatment alternatives.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Mar 2019
Public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding epilepsy in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.
Epilepsy is a chronic condition and has significant negative consequences to quality of life. Misconceptions regarding epilepsy among communities with lower rates of education have led to false beliefs and ideas. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes about epilepsy in Saudi population at Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The public's general attitudes and awareness of epilepsy were quite good; however, knowledge regarding this medical condition is still inadequate. Thus, more campaigns are needed in order to increase societal awareness on epilepsy, obtaining help from governmental agencies, health institutions, mass media, and other health-related organizations.