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Waris A, Asim M, Ullah A. The dilemma of epilepsy diagnosis in Pakistan. Diagnosis (Berl) 2024; 11:333-334. [PMID: 38485202 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2024-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53025 City University of Hong Kong , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53025 City University of Hong Kong , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ata Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53025 City University of Hong Kong , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR
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Pellinen J, Foster EC, Wilmshurst JM, Zuberi SM, French J. Improving epilepsy diagnosis across the lifespan: approaches and innovations. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:511-521. [PMID: 38631767 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy diagnosis is often delayed or inaccurate, exposing people to ongoing seizures and their substantial consequences until effective treatment is initiated. Important factors contributing to this problem include delayed recognition of seizure symptoms by patients and eyewitnesses; cultural, geographical, and financial barriers to seeking health care; and missed or delayed diagnosis by health-care providers. Epilepsy diagnosis involves several steps. The first step is recognition of epileptic seizures; next is classification of epilepsy type and whether an epilepsy syndrome is present; finally, the underlying epilepsy-associated comorbidities and potential causes must be identified, which differ across the lifespan. Clinical history, elicited from patients and eyewitnesses, is a fundamental component of the diagnostic pathway. Recent technological advances, including smartphone videography and genetic testing, are increasingly used in routine practice. Innovations in technology, such as artificial intelligence, could provide new possibilities for directly and indirectly detecting epilepsy and might make valuable contributions to diagnostic algorithms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Pellinen
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Emma C Foster
- Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Royal Hospital for Children and University of Glasgow School of Health & Wellbeing, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jacqueline French
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Rezaei SJ, Cissé FA, Touré ML, Duan R, Rice DR, Ham AS, de Walque D, Mateen FJ. E = mc 2 : Education (E), medication (m), and conditional cash (c 2 ) to improve uptake of antiseizure medications in a low-resource population: Protocol for randomized trial. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:445-454. [PMID: 38131270 PMCID: PMC10839367 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most people with epilepsy (PWE) could live seizure-free if treated with one or more antiseizure medications (ASMs). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 75% of PWE in low-resource settings lack adequate antiseizure treatment. Limited education surrounding epilepsy and the out-of-pocket costs of ASMs in particular pose barriers to managing epilepsy in resource-poor, low-income settings. The aim of this study is to implement and test a novel strategy to improve outcomes across the epilepsy care cascade marked by (1) retention in epilepsy care, (2) adherence to ASMs, and (3) seizure reduction, with the measured goal of seizure freedom. METHODS A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial will be performed, centered at the Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, in Western Sub-Saharan Africa. Two hundred people with clinically diagnosed epilepsy, ages 18 years and above, will receive education on epilepsy and then be randomized to (i) free ASMs versus (ii) conditional cash, conditioned upon return to the epilepsy clinic. Participants will be followed for 360 days with study visits every 90 days following enrollment. SIGNIFICANCE We design a randomized trial for PWE in Guinea, a low-resource setting with a high proportion of untreated PWE and a nearly completely privatized healthcare system. The trial includes a conditional cash transfer intervention, which has yet to be tested as a targeted means to improve outcomes for people with a chronic neurological disorder. The trial aims to provide an evidence base for the treatment of epilepsy in such settings. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY We present a clinical trial protocol for a randomized, blinded study of 200 people with epilepsy in the low-resource African Republic of Guinea, providing an educational intervention (E), and then randomizing in a 1:1 allocation to either free antiseizure medication (m) or conditional cash (c2 ) for 360 days. Measured outcomes include (1) returning to outpatient epilepsy care, (2) adherence to antiseizure medications (ASMs), and (3) reducing the number of seizures. This study is an initial look at giving small amounts of cash for desired results (or "nudges") for improving epilepsy outcomes in the sub-Saharan African and brain disorder contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawheen J. Rezaei
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Fodé Abass Cissé
- Department of NeurologyIgnace Deen Teaching HospitalConakryGuinea
| | | | - Rui Duan
- Department of BiostatisticsHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Dylan R. Rice
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew Siyoon Ham
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Farrah J. Mateen
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Makhado TG, Lebese RT, Maputle MS. Development and Validation of Epilepsy Life Skills Guidelines for Primary School Learners and Teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1194. [PMID: 37508691 PMCID: PMC10377971 DOI: 10.3390/children10071194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disorder that disturbs nerve cell activity in the brain, resulting in seizures. It was noted that it occurs mostly in children, especially at the primary school level, and could result from a genetic condition. The aim of this study was to develop and validate life skills education guidelines for primary school learners of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa to educate them about epilepsy with the aim of reducing stigma and discrimination towards people with epilepsy. The guidelines were developed by adapting the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline development guide, which included the formulation of PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design) questions, conducting a systematic review of the literature, and using GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) to develop evidence-based recommendations. The recommendations that informed the guideline development were that epilepsy education should be included in the primary school life skills curriculum to improve learners' understanding, attitudes, and skills related to epilepsy. This epilepsy education should be tailored to the needs of primary school learners and cover topics such as seizure recognition, management, medication, and coping strategies. Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers is crucial to developing culturally appropriate and evidence-based epilepsy education guidelines. Teachers and healthcare providers should also receive training on how to support learners living with epilepsy. The resulting guidelines provide clear and concise guidance on epilepsy education in life skills for primary school learners, caregivers, and teachers. The guidelines are expected to improve the quality of epilepsy life skills education and contribute to the overall well-being and inclusion of learners with epilepsy in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thendo Gertie Makhado
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Rachel Tsakani Lebese
- The Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Maria Sonto Maputle
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
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Pellinen J. Treatment gaps in epilepsy. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:976039. [PMID: 38455298 PMCID: PMC10910960 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.976039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Over 50 million people around the world have epilepsy, and yet, epilepsy recognition and access to care are ongoing issues. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low-and middle-income countries and face the greatest barriers to quality care. However, there are substantial disparities in care within different communities in high-income countries as well. Across the world, under-recognition of seizures continues to be an issue, leading to diagnostic and treatment delays. This stems from issues surrounding stigma, public education, basic access to care, as well as healthcare worker education. In different regions, people may face language barriers, economic barriers, and technological barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. Even once diagnosed, people with epilepsy often face gaps in optimal seizure control with the use of antiseizure medications. Additionally, nearly one-third of people with epilepsy may be candidates for epilepsy surgery, and many either do not have access to surgical centers or are not referred for surgical evaluation. Even those who do often experience delays in care. The purpose of this review is to highlight barriers to care for people with epilepsy, including issues surrounding seizure recognition, diagnosis of epilepsy, and the initiation and optimization of treatment.
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Temporal trends in the epilepsy treatment gap in low- and low-middle-income countries: A meta-analysis. J Neurol Sci 2022; 434:120174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Samanta D, Singh R, Gedela S, Scott Perry M, Arya R. Underutilization of epilepsy surgery: Part II: Strategies to overcome barriers. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107853. [PMID: 33678576 PMCID: PMC8035223 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interventions focused on utilization of epilepsy surgery can be divided into groups: those that improve patients' access to surgical evaluation and those that facilitate completion of the surgical evaluation and treatment. Educational intervention, technological innovation, and effective coordination and communication can significantly improve patients' access to surgery. Patient and public facing, individualized (analog and/or digital) communication can raise awareness and acceptance of epilepsy surgery. Educational interventions aimed at providers may mitigate knowledge gaps using practical and concise consensus statements and guidelines, while specific training can improve awareness around implicit bias. Innovative technology, such as clinical decision-making toolkits within the electronic medical record (EMR), machine learning techniques, online decision-support tools, nomograms, and scoring algorithms can facilitate timely identification of appropriate candidates for epilepsy surgery with individualized guidance regarding referral appropriateness, postoperative seizure freedom rate, and risks of complication after surgery. There are specific strategies applicable for epilepsy centers' success: building a multidisciplinary setup, maintaining/tracking volume and complexity of cases, collaborating with other centers, improving surgical outcome with reduced complications, utilizing advanced diagnostics tools, and considering minimally invasive surgical techniques. Established centers may use other strategies, such as multi-stage procedures for multifocal epilepsy, advanced functional mapping with tailored surgery for epilepsy involving the eloquent cortex, and generation of fresh hypotheses in cases of surgical failure. Finally, improved access to epilepsy surgery can be accomplished with policy changes (e.g., anti-discrimination policy, exemption in transportation cost, telehealth reimbursement policy, patient-centered epilepsy care models, pay-per-performance models, affordability and access to insurance, and increased funding for research). Every intervention should receive regular evaluation and feedback-driven modification to ensure appropriate utilization of epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, United States
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, United States
| | - M Scott Perry
- Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Ravindra Arya
- Division of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Saleem T, Sheikh N, Abbasi MH, Javed I, Khawar MB. COVID-19 containment and its unrestrained impact on epilepsy management in resource-limited areas of Pakistan. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 112:107476. [PMID: 33181895 PMCID: PMC7518832 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that led to an unprecedented crisis with significant health, social, and economic repercussions presented more serious concerns for those living with some chronic conditions such as epilepsy. This study was aimed to find out impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on management of epilepsy. A cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews, targeting 213 caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy, belonging to underserved areas of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. A simple questionnaire was designed to record the responses of participants relevant to the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge about possible ways that can be accessed for the management of epilepsy during an ongoing pandemic. The current study, which holds 77% of the respondents from rural areas and 23% from urban settings, showed that partial measures of lockdown taken to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 resulted in adverse economic and health outcomes in the said population including cancelation of follow-up visits, worsening of seizures, job loss, burden of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) costs, and discontinuation of medicines. Furthermore, knowledge about alternative ways to access health facilities was found very poor among caregivers. Income sources of poor people disrupted by lockdown can lead to unintentional nonadherence to medication, which is a clear picture of inequitable distribution of resources. This study highlights the major issues faced by the caregivers during this ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Saleem
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Sheikh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
| | | | - Iram Javed
- Department of Pediatric Neurology Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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