Epilepsy awareness among Rabigh Province residents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigates the knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in Rabigh province in western Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted from July to September 2020. Survey was distributed through the web to Rabigh province general population. Epilepsy awareness score (EAS) was estimated utilizing a generated questionnaire. RESULTS: The number of participants is 511. Most participants did not know what actions to take for an active seizure other than moving the person away from harm (87%). Participants who agreed that epilepsy was highly stigmatized represented 15%. Participants were refusing (27%) or undecided about their reaction (34%) if their child were to marry an epilepsy person (EP). The majority did not mind if their children socialized with EP. Some parents were anxious about having their children play or associated with EP. There are statistically significant associations between EAS and age (p=0.03), monthly income (p=0.03), having children (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: The data found in this study was similar to other Saudi and global studies. Further efforts are needed to strengthen community awareness regarding epilepsy. Stigma in society affects those that are afflicted and has consequences on their loved ones as well. Therefore, supplementary educational campaigns are needed to normalize and create acceptance. Also, to increase awareness regarding first aid of epilepsy.

The etiology and risk factors of convulsive status epilepticus in pediatric patients of tertiary center in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the etiology of status epilepticus (SE) among the pediatric patients of a tertiary center in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: Data from 88 cases was obtained retrospectively from 2006 to 2017 from King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Patients aged between 28 days and 14 years with the symptoms of SE were selected for this study. RESULTS: The data show that the proportions of SE etiologies were 30.5% for febrile seizure, 11.9% for electrolytes imbalance, 8.5% for hydrocephalus, 6.8% for CNS infections, and 6.8% for neoplasm. The other etiologies of SE were trauma, fever, intractable epilepsy, cerebrovascular accident, hemorrhagic stroke, etc. There were no clear etiologies in 8 cases. Most of the patients were not of Saudi origin (64.3%), boys (67.8%), and had generalized epilepsy types (91.8%), and 58.6% of the patients complied with epilepsy medications. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent etiology of convulsive status epilepticus was a febrile seizure, followed by electrolyte imbalance and hydrocephalus. However, a nationwide study in KSA must be conducted to determine the major etiologies of SE for its effective management and prevention. Educating families and patients regarding antiepileptic drugs is necessary.