Keeping people with epilepsy safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
French JA., Brodie MJ., Caraballo R., Devinsky O., Ding D., Jehi L., Jette N., Kanner A., Modi AC., Newton CR., Patel AA., Pennell PB., Perucca E., Sander JW., Scheffer IE., Singh G., Williams E., Wilmshurst J., Cross JH.
OBJECTIVES:To provide information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy and provide consensus recommendations on how to provide the best possible care for people with epilepsy while avoiding visits to urgent care facilities and hospitalizations during the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. METHODS:The authors developed consensus statements in 2 sections. The first was "How should we/clinicians modify our clinical care pathway for people with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic?" The second was "What general advice should we give to people with epilepsy during this crisis? Authors individually scored statements on a scale of -10 (strongly disagree) to +10 (strongly agree). 5/11 recommendations for physicians and 3/5 recommendations for individuals/families were rated by all authors as 7 or above (strongly agree) on the first round of rating. Subsequently, a tele-conference was held where statements for which there was a lack of strong consensus were revised. RESULTS:After revision, all consensus recommendations received a score of 7 or above. The recommendations focus on administration of as much care as possible at home to keep people with epilepsy out of health care facilities, where they are likely to encounter COVID-19 (including strategies for rescue therapy), as well as minimization of risk of seizure exacerbation through adherence, and through ensuring a regular supply of medication. We also provide helpful links to additional helpful information for people with epilepsy and health providers. CONCLUSION:These recommendation may help healthcare professionals provide optimal care to people with epilepsy during the coronavirus pandemic.