SEIZURES IN CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-2019 IN THAILAND: CASE SERIES SURVEY

Pasiri Sithinamsuwan1, Metha Apiwattanakul2, Thananya Wongsinin3, Damrongvit Sukajintanakarn4, Pattaranun Luangdilok5, Patama Suttha6, Chonpivat Treepong2, Sirirat Suwanrit7, Chesda Udommongkol1, Suppachok Kirdlarp3, Sirikanlaya Poonphol4, Supoch Tunlayadechanont8, Kanokwan Boonyapisit9 and Anannit Visudtibhan10

Authors

Keywords:

case study, COVID-19, epilepsy, seizure, Thailand

Abstract

Medical services have been affected worldwide since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. A number of patients with COVID-19 develop neurological manifestations, such as stroke, encephalopathy and seizures. In order to determine the relationship between COVID-19 and seizure disorders, a review of case series from 1 December 2019 to 7 July 2020 from seven hospitals in Thailand, which adequately detailed seizure occurrence or neurological manifestations, was carried out. Focus was placed on relationship of seizure/epilepsy and risk of COVID-19 infection, possible epileptogenic effects of the viral infection and management plans for control of seizures. Prevalence of acute symptomatic seizures among COVID-19 patients was 0.57%, indicating epilepsy patients in general were not more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Issues on adverse interactions between antiepileptic drugs and antivirals, limited access to investigative diagnostic procedures, eg electroencephalography, CSF fluid and neuroimaging were of concern. In conclusion, prevalence of seizure in individuals with COVID-19 is low, but suitable plans for seizure management, antiepileptic medication-withdrawal seizures in patients with epilepsy during COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of appropriate telemedicine systems should be addressed.

Published

2020-11-11 — Updated on 2021-08-13

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