IMPACT OF COVID-19 TREATMENT AND PANDEMIC ON EPILEPTIC PATIENTS – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has severely impacted individuals with epilepsy, increasing their risk of seizure exacerbation and medication dependence. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated antiepileptic drug (AED) prescribing management and adverse drug reactions in patients at a tertiary care hospital from September 2020 to September 2022 influenced by COVID-19 Pandemic. Results: This study enrolled 1272 participants, comprising two groups: Group 1 (636 patients) with both epilepsy and COVID-19 (61.3% males, 38.7% females) and Group 2 (636 patients) with COVID-19 and no epilepsy history (63.4% males, 36.6% females). The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a profound impact on the mental well-being of epilepsy patients, manifesting as heightened anxiety (68.3%), depression (47.2%), and sleep disruptions (29.6%). These psychological issues were more prevalent in epilepsy patients compared to non-epilepsy patients. Most patients were 51-60 years old (17.92%) or 41-50 years old (16.50%). 59.2% had epilepsy for over five years. Conclusion: This research underscores the detrimental effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on epileptic patients’ quality of life, necessitating tailored treatment approaches and enhanced patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated psychological distress among epilepsy patients. Our findings emphasize the importance of optimizing AED regimens, addressing mental health issues, and closely monitoring adverse drug reactions. This study provides valuable insights into the pandemic’s impact on epilepsy patients, informing healthcare providers on strategies to enhance patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment protocols. This study contributes to understanding COVID-19’s impact on epilepsy patients, guiding healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment plans.