What Epilepsy Patients Need to Know About Covid-19

Experts have indicated that the Covid-19 pandemic caused by coronavirus may also affect patients with epilepsy, warning that seizures may increase particularly due to interactions between epilepsy medications and Covid-19 medications. Experts note that epilepsy does not create a risk of contracting Covid-19 nor does it increase the severity of Covid-19. Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Şalçini from Üsküdar Üniversitesi NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital provided important information for epilepsy patients during these days when the Covid-19 pandemic is being experienced intensely.

"To date, no effect of Covid-19 on epilepsy and seizures has been documented"

Dr. Celal Şalçini stated, "The vast majority of those who have had new coronavirus infection experience it without complaints or with mild symptoms, while some will become ill severely enough to require hospitalization. Some of these patients will be epilepsy patients. So far, no effect of Covid-19 on epilepsy and seizures has been documented."

"Covid-19 medications and epilepsy medications may interact"

Noting that epilepsy patients should be careful during this period, Dr. Celal Şalçini said, "Nevertheless, epilepsy patients may deteriorate and their seizures may increase due to general malaise from Covid-19 infection, increased stress, difficulty accessing medications, and particularly due to interactions between epilepsy medications and Covid-19 medications. Patients in such situations should consult with a neurology specialist. Particularly, interactions can occur between medications used in COVID-19 treatment and epilepsy medications. This interaction list has been compiled and published by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)."

Epilepsy does not create a risk of contracting Covid-19

Noting that epilepsy is a family of diseases that causes seizures without cause or due to many different causes, Dr. Celal Şalçini said, "Epilepsy does not create a risk of contracting Covid-19, nor does it increase the severity of Covid-19. We have no evidence that epilepsy reduces immunity. Some patients with drug-resistant epilepsy receive ACTH, cortisone, everolimus or immunosuppressive treatments, and these medications adversely affect the immune system. Such an effect has not been demonstrated so far for other more commonly used medications.

Epileptic seizure is not an indicator of Covid-19

Dr. Celal Şalçini warned, "Having an epileptic seizure alone is not an indicator of Covid-19 infection. However, if you have a seizure while experiencing a febrile illness, that is reason to consult a doctor."

Do not go to the hospital unless necessary

Noting that epilepsy patients should stay away from hospitals during this period unless absolutely necessary, Dr. Celal Şalçini recommended that epilepsy patients contact their doctors by telephone if they experience any problems and, if possible, seek remote consultation.