Epilepsy Survey results: Have you been concerned about Covid-19 and the effect it might have on a person with epilepsy?
Our survey question was:
Have you been concerned about Covid-19 and the effect it might have on a person with epilepsy? Results resoundingly show that there are substantial concerns in our visitors regarding epilepsy and COVID-19.
Yes: 81%
No: 13%
Didn't even cross my mind: 6%
We recommend reading this other article that discussed what clinicians and scientists currently know about COVID-19 and epilepsy as well as tips on how to manage epilepsy well in these troubled times: https://www.epilepsygroup.com/notes6-35-250/feature-article-living-with-epilepsy-and-seizures-durin.htm
For now though it is important to keep the following in mind:
There is no solid evidence that people with epilepsy are more vulnerable or at a greater risk from Covid-19 than anyone else. So, if the person does not have any underlying health conditions (e.g. obesity, cancer, etc.) or their epilepsy is not part of a syndrome that might affect their immune system, there should be no greater risk. Another thing, taking anti-seizure medications should not increase the risk of catching COVID-19 or of having a worse outcome if you do. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included epilepsy on a list of health conditions that might "increase the risk of serious COVID-19 infection. (check for more detailed information here: https://www.ilae.org/patient-care/covid-19-and-epilepsy/for-patients).
