Coronavirus and epilepsy: what is the risk?

People with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

There is currently no evidence that people with epilepsy alone are more likely to catch coronavirus or have more severe symptoms. In most people, the coronavirus causes mild symptoms and recovers quickly after a few days.

covid-19

According to guidelines from the British Association of Neurologists, people with mild to moderate epilepsy who do not have difficulty breathing or swallowing are unlikely to be at increased risk for the coronavirus.

However, epilepsy is a very diverse condition. Some people with epilepsy have other conditions in addition to their epilepsy that put them at increased risk.


Furthermore, there is no evidence that antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of coronavirus infection. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, do not stop taking it - talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Are seizures symptoms of COVID-19?

Seizures are not a symptom of COVID-19. In the final stages of severe forms of COVID-19, other organs can be damaged, including brain damage. Under these conditions, seizures can also occur in a person who does not have epilepsy.

Can the number of seizures increase if someone receives COVID-19?

When a person with epilepsy also suffers from another disease or has a high fever, they may experience a change or increase in seizures. The disease puts physical and emotional stress on the body, which can make seizures more likely. The same thing happens when someone catches the coronavirus. However, early information from infected countries suggests that most people with epilepsy

The risk of worsening seizures appears to be low after being infected with the coronavirus.

How can I manage my stress and worries?

This is a stressful time for everyone. Maybe people are alone or they can take care of many people at once. Routines change, or you may not have a routine because things change quickly. Listening to the news may make people more afraid of the disease.

While we can’t prevent all the stress, it would be worthwhile for everyone to do a self-examination. Chronic stress can reduce a person’s immunity, so they may become more prone to the disease. Consider different ways to deal with stress.

Source: www.epilepsy.com