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Velarde-García JF, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Jiménez-Antona C, García-Bravo C, Aledo-Serrano Á, Gómez-Sánchez SM, Palacios-Ceña D. The impact of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies on families: a qualitative study. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05677-2. [PMID: 38965081 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05677-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) cause disability and dependence affecting both children and the family. The aim of the study was to describe the perspective of parents of children with DEEs regarding the impact of the disease on the family. We carried out a qualitative study based on the interpretivist paradigm. Twenty-one participants were selected using purposive sampling. Parents of children with DEEs of SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, and GNAO1 variants were included. In-depth interviews and researcher notes were used for data collection. A thematic analysis was performed on the data. Three themes were identified in the results: (a) Assuming conflicts and changes within the couple, causing them to distance themselves, reducing their time and intimacy and leading them to reconsider having more children; (b) impact of the disorder on siblings and grandparents, where siblings perceived DEE as a burden in their lives, felt neglected, and needed to grow and mature alone; conversely, the grandparents suffered for their grandchildren and the parents, in addition to perceiving that their health worsened, and (c) reconciling the care of the child with family life and work; this led the parents to share tasks, abandon or reduce working hours and ask for help.Conclusions: Caring for a child with DEE can result in neglect of social, psychological, emotional, recreational, educational, or occupational needs and obligations that ultimately impact all family members. What is Known: • Children with DEE may develop seizures and experience developmental and cognitive problems. • Caring for a child with DEE has a social and psychological impact on the entire family. Caring for a child with DEE has a social and psychological impact on the entire family. What is New: • Within the couple, there are tensions due to a lack of time, which could be alleviated by alternating childcare duties. • It is necessary to implement programs that address the physical and mental needs of the couple, as well as cater to the needs of siblings and alleviate the suffering of grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Francisco Velarde-García
- Red Cross Nursing School, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Nursing Group of Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Güeita-Rodríguez
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Jiménez-Antona
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Bravo
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsy and Neurogenetics Program, Vithas Hospital Group, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stella Maris Gómez-Sánchez
- Research Group, GAMDES of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Lindsay N, Martin J, Adegboye D, Absoud M, Charman T, Tye C. Impact of and research priorities in early onset epilepsy: An investigation of parental concerns. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 156:109794. [PMID: 38733908 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
[Background and aim] Early onset epilepsy is a neurological condition with significant developmental consequences, and presents affected children and families with challenges which pervade many aspects of family life. Whilst the concerns of parents and the impact on quality of life is well documented in qualitative research, little emphasis has been placed on the context of 'early onset', and the implications of these concerns for research priority setting. We aimed to explore parental perspectives regarding concerns and the impact of early onset epilepsy on the child and family, and to identify priorities for future paediatric epilepsy research. [Methods] The Brain development in Early Epilepsy: Parent Priorities (BEE-PP) project employed a mixed methods approach to collect information on parents' experience of having a child diagnosed with early onset epilepsy before 36 months old and aged up to 16 years old. Parents completed an online survey (n = 15) followed by a focus group (n = 5) to explore their main concerns regarding early onset epilepsy, the impact on family life and research priorities. [Results] A thematic analysis of the focus group data generated eight themes related to concerns of parents, the impact on the family and research priorities. The three main concerns identified were the expected trajectory of their child's development, a lack of seizure control following diagnosis and adverse behavioural side effects of medication. Within family life, early onset epilepsy had an impact on sibling autonomy and psychosocial adaptation, poorer parental wellbeing and restricted social and personal activities. The need for clearer information regarding their child's developmental trajectory, and managing the side effects of medication and their interactions with behaviour over time were topics of priority for future epilepsy research. [Interpretation] The impact of early onset epilepsy on the family is pervasive and requires the provision of appropriate healthcare service-led support for families to improve quality of life and children's adjustment to epilepsy. Regular monitoring of the concerns of parents and the impact of the diagnosis would be beneficial for addressing epilepsy-related and psychosocial needs of the wider family throughout their child's development. Implications for future research priority setting with regards to improved clinician-to-parent information sharing and managing the behavioural side effects of medication are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Lindsay
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jessica Martin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dolapo Adegboye
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Absoud
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK; Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Tye
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Nguyen L, Jack SM, Davis H, Bellefeuille S, Arafeh D, Di Rezze B, Ketelaar M, Gorter JW. "Filling in the gap": A qualitative case study about identity construction of siblings of youth with a neurodisability. J Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 38797961 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In families of children with a neurodisability, siblings have unique experiences that can shape their identity. There is limited information about the developmental process of how siblings form their identity. This study aims to understand the identity construction of young siblings who have a sibling with a neurodisability. METHODS As part of a patient-oriented research program, we engaged with our Sibling Youth Advisory Council in Canada. In this qualitative case study, data from semi-structured interviews augmented by photo elicitation and graphic elicitation of relational maps were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Nineteen sibling participants (median age = 19 years, range = 14-33 years) reflected on the uniqueness of their role during childhood. During adolescence and emerging adulthood, they became closer with their sibling with a neurodisability and increased communication with their parents about how to care for their sibling with a neurodisability. These experiences influenced how they explored and began to reconcile their sibling identity with their professional and social identities. CONCLUSION Siblings of youth with a neurodisability discover their unique identity and require support in this developmental process. Future interventions could evaluate how supports for siblings can have an impact on the positive development of their identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Nguyen
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan M Jack
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hanae Davis
- Sibling Youth Advisory Council, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dana Arafeh
- Sibling Youth Advisory Council, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Briano Di Rezze
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marjolijn Ketelaar
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Gorter
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Navik A, Aggarwal A, Singh A, Malhotra RK. Quality of Life of Developmentally Normal Children With Epilepsy and Their Siblings. Cureus 2023; 15:e44067. [PMID: 37753007 PMCID: PMC10518430 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental and multidimensional concept that should be considered with health problems, specifically chronic diseases, such as epilepsy. There have been limited studies on how pediatric epilepsy impacts the QOL of siblings of affected individuals. Hence, we studied the impact of epilepsy on the QOL of affected children and their siblings. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the QOL of developmentally normal children with epilepsy and their siblings and the association of QOL scores with the clinicodemographic profile. METHODS This study was conducted at the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, India, a tertiary care hospital. The QOL of children (4-12 years) with epilepsy was assessed using epilepsy-specific questionnaires, i.e., Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire-55 (QOLCE-55), which covers the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains, and Pediatric Quality of Life Epilepsy Module (Peds QL EM), which covers the impact, cognitive, sleep, executive, and mood/ behavior domains. QOL in siblings was assessed using the Peds QL Inventory, which covers the following domains: physical, emotional, social, and school. The principal investigator administered these questionnaires to parents in Hindi/ English. Scoring was done as per standard instructions of the questionnaire. Clinical and demographic data were recorded in a pro forma. RESULT The median QOLCE-55 score was 81.12, with a range of 74.65-86.34, and the median Peds QL EM score was 89.31, with a range of 75.58-94.48. Overall, Cronbach's alpha of QOLCE-55 and Peds QL EM was >0.8. Breakthrough seizures (≥10) affected the overall QOL (p=0.001) and all domains of QOLCE-55 (except emotional function (p=0.44)) and Peds QL EM (except sleep/fatigue domain (p=0.59)). Age, sex, parental education, socioeconomic status, and type of epilepsy did not affect the overall QOL (p>0.05). The QOL of siblings was not affected as per the Peds QL Inventory score (median score 100) and self-made questionnaire. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the QOL of children with epilepsy was compromised, whereas the QOL of their siblings was not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Navik
- Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, IND
| | - Anju Aggarwal
- Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, IND
| | - Aaradhana Singh
- Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, IND
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Sullivan J, Specchio N, Devinsky O, Auvin S, Perry MS, Strzelczyk A, Gil-Nagel A, Dai D, Galer BS, Gammaitoni AR. Fenfluramine significantly reduces day-to-day seizure burden by increasing number of seizure-free days and time between seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome: A time-to-event analysis. Epilepsia 2021; 63:130-138. [PMID: 34676542 PMCID: PMC9297857 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective The number, unpredictability, and severity of seizures experienced by patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) negatively impact quality of life (QOL) for patients, caregivers, and families. Metrics are needed to assess whether patients with residual seizures have moved meaningfully toward seizure freedom after treatment with new antiseizure medications. Methods We evaluated the time required postrandomization for each patient to experience the same number of seizures experienced during baseline (i.e., time‐to‐nth seizure), using a post hoc time‐to‐event (TTE) analysis of data from two Phase 3 placebo‐controlled trials of adjunctive fenfluramine for DS (Study 1, N = 119; Study 2, N = 87). Patients aged 2–19 years were randomized to placebo or adjunctive fenfluramine (Study 1: .7 mg/kg/day or .2 mg/kg/day; Study 2: .4 mg/kg/day with stiripentol). Data were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier TTE curves and waterfall plots. Results The proportion of patients who never reached baseline seizure frequency was greater with fenfluramine than with placebo (Study 1: fenfluramine .7 mg/kg/day, 60%; fenfluramine .2 mg/kg/day, 31%; placebo, 13%; Study 2: fenfluramine .4 mg/kg/day, 58%; placebo, 2%). Median time‐to‐nth seizure was longer after fenfluramine than after placebo (Study 1: fenfluramine .7 mg/kg/day, 13 weeks; .2 mg/kg/day, 10 weeks; placebo, 7 weeks; Study 2: fenfluramine .4 mg/kg/day, 13 weeks; placebo, 5 weeks; p < .001). Longest duration of convulsive seizure‐free days was increased in active groups versus the placebo group (Study 1: fenfluramine .7 and .2 mg/kg/day, 25.0 and 15.0 days; placebo, 9.5 days [p = .0001; p = .0352]; Study 2: fenfluramine .4 mg/kg/day, 22.0 days; placebo, 13.0 days [p = .004]). The most common adverse events included decreased appetite, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and fatigue. Significance These data demonstrate that fenfluramine can significantly reduce day‐to‐day seizure burden in patients with DS, providing prolonged periods of convulsive seizure‐free days, which may help reduce the physical and emotional disease toll while improving health‐related QOL for patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sullivan
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Robert Debré Children's Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris (APHP), University of Paris, Paris, France.,University Institute of France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - M Scott Perry
- Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - David Dai
- Syneos Health, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA
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Bailey LD, Schwartz L, Dixon-Salazar T, Meskis MA, Galer BS, Gammaitoni AR, Schad C. Psychosocial impact on siblings of patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 112:107377. [PMID: 32846306 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caring for children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) places substantial demands on the entire family unit, including siblings. The Sibling Voices Survey assesses parental and sibling responses to questions designed to assess how children adapt to growing up with siblings with DEE. METHODS Participants responded to 1 of 4 online, age- and role-specific surveys (9-12, 13-17, and ≥18-year-old [adult] siblings; parents responded with perceptions of their unaffected child's/children's feelings). Survey questions used visual analog scales, categorical responses, and free-form responses. RESULTS Survey submissions (n = 248) included 128 parents and 120 siblings (9- to 12-year-olds, n = 24; 13- to 17-year-olds, n = 17; adults, n = 79). All groups identified home life as the most substantially affected area of their lives (71%-84%), compared with interactions at school (21%-32%) or with friends (28%-42%). The most difficult aspect across all sibling groups was "feeling worried/scared when their sibling has seizures" (58%-70%). Feeling "overly responsible" for the sibling was reported by most adult siblings (63%), 41% of 13- to 17-year-old siblings, and 34% of parents. Siblings reported more symptoms of depressed mood (e.g., "down/unhappy," 47%-62%) than their parents perceived them feeling (25%). Most sibling groups (29%-49%) reported more symptoms of anxious mood (e.g., "nightmares/bad dreams") than parents perceived (15%). Identification of potential helpful coping mechanisms varied by age group. Most respondents (68%-76%) reported positive aspects, including greater maturity and compassion. SIGNIFICANCE The Sibling Voices Survey provided important insights into how DEE impacts siblings psychologically and socially. This study highlights the need for increased awareness among parents and healthcare providers to monitor siblings for potential signs of depressed or anxious mood, to provide proper support, and to decrease potential for negative long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie D Bailey
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA.
| | - Lauren Schwartz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | | | - Bradley S Galer
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA.
| | | | - Carla Schad
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA.
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Hammond LD, Farrington AP, Kılınç S. Validation of the integrative model of adjustment to chronic conditions: Applicability to adult-onset epilepsy. Health Psychol Open 2019; 6:2055102919884293. [PMID: 35186308 PMCID: PMC8851134 DOI: 10.1177/2055102919884293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adapting to life with adult-onset epilepsy is a challenge and there is a
need for better interventions to support people, who have difficulty
with psychosocial adjustment to the condition. The integrative model
of adjustment to chronic conditions was developed for type 2 diabetes.
This study aimed to demonstrate the applicability of the model to
adult-onset epilepsy and thus make an original contribution to the
development of relevant interventions. Qualitative data from a
previous phenomenological study on the experience of adult-onset
epilepsy were mapped onto the integrative model of adjustment to
chronic conditions using framework analysis. Ten of the original 39
datasets were selected. All 10 datasets were from females diagnosed
with epilepsy within 5 years before participation in the original
study. The results demonstrated applicability of the integrative model
of adjustment to chronic conditions after minor revisions to the
model. These findings support further development of the integrative
model of adjustment to chronic conditions for use as a clinical
intervention for people with adult-onset epilepsy.
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Association of Child Neurology-Indian Epilepsy Society Consensus Document on Parental Counseling of Children with Epilepsy. Indian J Pediatr 2019; 86:608-616. [PMID: 31177510 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-019-02946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
When a child is diagnosed with epilepsy, counseling regarding the same is done by the treating doctor. Most parents are frightened and have poor knowledge about epilepsy. Therapeutic advice including drug dosage, administration and side effects takes up the major part of physician's time, thereby neglecting important issues like home seizure management, follow up and others. These lacunae in knowledge require systematic patient and family education. To address these issues, an expert group meeting of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists in India along with social workers/epilepsy educators, legal experts, parents, and teachers was held. The various aspects regarding parental counseling in children with epilepsy were discussed and a consensus document was formulated. Here authors present the group consensus statement on counseling parents and caregivers of children with epilepsy. This document is intended to help physicians and pediatricians counsel the families when a child is diagnosed with epilepsy.
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