Leah Blank MD, MPH, shares what we know now about COVID-19 and epilepsy. Dr. Blank is an epileptologist (epilepsy specialist) and assistant professor of neurology and population health science and policy. Dr. Blank also received in 2020 the EF/AES Junior Investigator Award.
The short answer is no: people with epilepsy are not at higher risk of getting COVID-19, getting a severe case, or dying of COVID-19.
People with epilepsy, however, may have other diseases that put them at higher risk. These include:
It appears the answer is no: most people with epilepsy don’t have more seizures due to COVID-19.
However, about 1 in 4 persons with epilepsy say they had more seizures during the pandemic.
We think there are a few reasons for this increase in seizures:
What can help?
Surveys done during the spring of 2020 showed that about 1 in 5 people with epilepsy said they had problems getting healthcare. This was especially true where hospitals were filled with COVID-19 patients and in-person and virtual visits for epilepsy were not possible.
Epilepsy providers are trying to figure out how to best help their patients during this challenging time. Virtual or video visits are one solution. Keep in contact with your provider to let them know what you need.
This year has been difficult. People with epilepsy are at higher risk of depression and anxiety. During the COVID-19 crisis people with epilepsy have reported more problems with their mood. These mood changes are likely because of stress from:
Many clinics are forming virtual support groups and are increasing referrals for virtual therapy or social work to support people with epilepsy. If you are experiencing sadness or feeling anxious, you should reach out to your health care provider to ask what resources they might have to help you.
The Managing Epilepsy Well Network has programs that can help people with epilepsy who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Find a program near you.
The COVID-19 crisis brought large and rapid changes. Many clinics switched from seeing patients in person to seeing patients using virtual visits such as video or phone. Your epilepsy providers are likely still seeing at least some patients by phone or video.
These changes happened quickly, and many patients and providers had to work around bumps along the way. Fortunately, recent surveys show that most patients and providers have positive views of virtual visits. Virtual visits are likely to continue to be a way to get safe, fast care when travel to an in-person visit is dangerous or difficult. Virtual visits should help ensure that people with epilepsy can get the care and medicines they need as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
Find a checklist from the Epilepsy Learning Healthcare System about how to make the most of your telehealth visit.
The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
