Tue, 04/14/2020 - 17:32
If you are a person living with epilepsy, many questions are probably running through your mind during this covid19 pandemic. While there is no evidence that people living with epilepsy have an increased risk of been infected with covid19, some of the public health measures (like stay at home) may affect you more than otbers. Difficulties getting to healthcare services or medicines and in some cases, a limited supply/shortage of medicines. Maybe the change of routine is making you not take your medications as regularly as you used to before and you might have relapsed. Have you had more seizure episodes during this pandemic than before? How is the stay home measure affecting your mental health?
In this light, researchers at the University of Antwerp (Belgium) have designed a study to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on persons living with epilepsy. The findings of this study will be help guide health authorities in various countries on how to develop targeted interventions and best strategies to cope with this covid-19 pandemic.
The survey is an online questionnaire and is voluntary. Only basic and anonymous information will be collected. You can find the survey by clicking on the link: persons living with epilepsy
Survey is available in English, French and Dutch and takes approximately 10 minutes to fill.
For more FAQs on covid19 and epilepsy, click here.
Take home advice
- Keep an ample supply of your treatment
- Take your medicines regularly, do not skip doses.Try using reminders (for example a phone, a friend, sticky notes, pill sorters)
- Make a plan with your health care provider on how to access treatment and other services during this period
- Find activities to keep you active and happy as you stay at home
- Get as much sunlight and fresh air as you can by opening your windows, looking outside.
- Keep in touch with family and friends and take care of your emotional well being. For more on how to take care of your emotional well-being, click here.
- Practice other public health safety measures put in place (washing hands regularly, social distancing)