Assessment of knowledge towards first aid skills of epilepsy among undergraduate health students in Riyadh province of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Applying proper first-aid measures to patients with seizure episodes plays a vital role in preventing the adverse consequences of seizures. Most previous data focused on teachers, healthcare providers and the general public. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of seizure first-aid measures among undergraduate health students. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between May 16 and 31, 2023, with 493 undergraduate health students of Riyadh Province who answered online surveys. The data were collected using the descriptive information form. The chi-square (χ2) test was employed to compare knowledge of seizure first aid between demographic variables. The relationship between knowledge score and independent variables was evaluated using multiple linear regression technique. RESULTS: Only 1.6 % of participants demonstrated good knowledge scores toward seizure first-aid measures. The skill most frequently reported was to remove all harmful objects from their vicinity and loosen the tight clothes around the neck during a seizure; 68.7 % of the participants correctly answered with agreed. Conversely, the skill that received the lowest knowledge score among participants was putting a piece object such as a cloth, wallet, or spoon between the teeth to prevent tongue biting during a seizure; only 37.3 % of the participants correctly answered with disagree. Moreover, participants in the advanced age group, medicine and fifth-year, were found to be significant predictors of knowledge and exhibited better knowledge scores toward seizure first aid measures than their peers (p < 0.001). Furthermore, lectures and books were identified (69.6 %) as the most common source of information about seizure first aid. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that most undergraduate health students demonstrated poor knowledge scores in delivering seizure first aid. This finding suggests that introducing epilepsy education from the first year in all health-related courses is crucial to improving overall awareness and skills in providing seizure first aid.

Effect of virtual reality-based seizure management education program for parents (VR-ESMEPP) on seizure management: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Seizure Management Education Program for Parents (VR-ESMEPP) that was designed to improve parents' knowledge-skill percentage about epileptic seizure, and motivation levels about educational material. METHODS: The study was conducted at a university hospital's pediatric neurology clinic in Turkey and involved both a VR-trained group and a control group. The parents' knowledge-skill percentage about epileptic seizure, and motivation levels about educational material were assessed before, after, and at 15 days after participating in VR-ESMEPP. RESULTS: The parents' knowledge-skill percentage about epileptic seizure increased in the group that participated in the VR-ESMEPP. There was no such increase in the control group. Examination of the scores of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) for the parents showed that while there was a significant increase between the pre-test and post-test within the group that participated in the VR-ESMEPP, there was no significant difference in the scores of the control group. However, the high IMMS scores obtained by all parents indicate the motivating nature of the education material. SIGNIFICANCE: The study established the efficacy of VR-ESMEPP and demonstrated its ability to enhance parents' knowledge-skill percentage about epileptic seizure. Despite the absence of a difference in motivation levels between the groups, the high scores obtained by all participants indicate that the program was indeed motivating.

Development of a conceptual framework for a Virtual Reality-based Seizure Management Education Program for Parents (VR-ESMEPP).

OBJECTIVE: Parents of children with epilepsy need support when managing epileptic seizures outside medical-care-center-settings. Previously developed training programs only provide information-based support. Therefore, within the scope of the VR-ESMEPP, a conceptual framework was developed in this study with the aim of developing parents' skills and motivation as well as providing them information regarding seizure management. METHODS: The conceptual framework of the VR-ESMEPP was developed in four steps. In step 1, a scenario was developed wherein a pediatric patient with epilepsy is having a seizure. The selected seizure type was "Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic" seizure, which is the most common and most skill-intensive type of tonic-clonic-seizure. In step 2, data collection tools related to epileptic seizure management were developed for parents. These tools included Child and Parent Introductory Form, Parental Information Assessment Form for Epileptic Seizure Management, and Parental Skills Assessment Form for Epileptic Seizure Management. In step 3, the conceptual framework and data collection tools developed were confirmed by a group of 10 specialists consisting of physicians and pediatric nurses working in the field of pediatric neurology. In step 4, the epileptic-pediatric-patient-scenario and data collection tools confirmed by experts were programmed into an application by a software company and integrated into virtual reality headsets. RESULTS: VR-ESMEPP with the conceptual framework described in the present study is a valid virtual reality-based program, which can be carried out under nurses' supervision and used to provide epilepsy-related education to parents. SIGNIFICANCE: VR-ESMEPP helped parents increase their knowledge and skills of epileptic seizure.

Mobile Health Application for Seizure Management: A Human-Systems Integration Approach.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to develop a mHealth application for seizure management based on the human system integration (HSI) approach. BACKGROUND: Unmet healthcare needs among people with epilepsy continue to exist despite the advancement in healthcare technology. Current seizure management methods are found to be ineffective. Therefore, a more efficient strategy such as mHealth technology is necessary to aid seizure management. METHOD: The needs identification phase involved identifying the user requirements by interviewing 10 stakeholders and conducting thematic analysis and needs interpretation technique. In the solution identification phase, the system requirements were derived using various human-centered design and systems engineering approaches and were evaluated through quality function deployment to determine design targets. For the design and evaluation phase, the design targets were reflected in the app through the iterative prototyping process, and the interface and functional design were evaluated by seven human factors and ergonomics experts and four stakeholders, respectively. RESULTS: Three primary needs and ten user requirements were derived from the needs identification phase. Ten out of fifteen system requirements were selected as design targets to be included in the final prototype. Results of the evaluation showed that the interface design of the proposed app showed superior usability compared to a competitor app and that the app functions were beneficial for the stakeholders. CONCLUSION: The mHealth app designed through the HSI framework showed good potential in addressing the main issues in seizure management. APPLICATION: The mHealth app design methodology based on the HSI approach can be applied to the design of small-scale systems in various domains.

Psychological treatments for adults and children with epilepsy: Evidence-based recommendations by the International League Against Epilepsy Psychology Task Force.

Given the significant impact that psychosocial factors and epilepsy treatments can have on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with epilepsy and their families, there is great clinical interest in the role of psychological evaluation and treatments to improve HRQOL and comorbidities. Therefore, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) charged the Psychology Task Force with the development of recommendations for clinical care based on evaluation of the evidence from their recent Cochrane review of psychological treatments in individuals with epilepsy. The literature search for a recent Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials investigating psychological treatments for individuals with epilepsy constitutes the key source of evidence for this article. To provide practical guidance to service providers, we provide ratings on study research designs based on (1) the American Academy of Neurology's Level of Evidence system and (2) the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. This paper is the culmination of an international collaboration process involving pediatric and adult psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists. The process and conclusions were reviewed and approved by the ILAE Executive Committee. The strongest evidence for psychological interventions was identified for the most common mental health problems, including depression, neurocognitive disturbances, and medication adherence. Psychological interventions targeting the enhancement of HRQOL and adherence and a decrease in comorbidity symptoms (anxiety, depression) should be incorporated into comprehensive epilepsy care. There is a range of psychological strategies (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies) that show promise for improving the lives of persons with epilepsy, and clinical recommendations are provided to assist epilepsy health care providers in treating the comorbidities and challenges associated with epilepsy and its treatments.

First-aid management of tonic-clonic seizures among healthcare personnel: A survey by the Apulian section of the Italian League Against Epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the knowledge of healthcare workers about first-aid measures to be performed during and after a tonic-clonic seizure. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four healthcare workers (86 physicians) working at 8 tertiary hospitals in the Apulia region, Italy, responded to a questionnaire comprising of 28 questions based on available Italian and international recommendations about what to do during a tonic-clonic seizure. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four healthcare workers completed and returned surveys with a response rate of 96.25%. There were 55 nurses (35.7%), 86 physicians (55.8%), and 13 healthcare workers with different roles (Electroencephalograph technicians, psychologists, social workers). Among physicians, there were 7 cardiologists, 3 surgeons, 12 infectious-disease specialists, 11 internal medicine specialists, 2 psychiatrists, 2 gynecologists, 27 specialists working in the emergency department, and 22 physicians with different specializations. Nearly 90% of the respondents identified head protection as important first aid, while 100% responded to not keep the legs elevated. To avoid tongue bite, both physicians and other healthcare workers would put something in the mouth (54.0%), like a Guedel cannula (71.0%) fingers (29.5%). Grabbing arms and legs, trying to stop the seizure, would be potentially performed by 11.6% of our sample. Physicians would administer a benzodiazepine during the seizure (65.7%) and during the postictal phase (29.2%), even if the patient is known to have epilepsy (23.7%), and in this case, 11.3% of respondents would administer the usual antiepileptic medications. More than half of respondents would call the emergency telephone number, because of necessary hospitalization in case of tonic-clonic seizure, even if it is experienced by a patient known to have epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Our survey suggests the need for epilepsy educational programs on first-aid management of seizures among healthcare workers.

Optimizing parents' performance in anticonvulsant rescue medication administration.

OBJECTIVE: Parents of children with epilepsy are at risk of committing high-risk handling errors with a high potential to harm the patient when administering anticonvulsant rescue medication. We developed a training concept addressing identified high-risk handling errors and investigated its effects on parents' skills. STUDY DESIGN: In a controlled prospective intervention study, parents of children with epilepsy were asked to demonstrate their administration of rescue medication by using dummy dolls. A clinical pharmacist monitored rectal or buccal administration and addressed errors in the intervention group with training and information sheets. Three to 6weeks later, intervention's sustainability was assessed at a home visit. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one parents completed full study assessment: 92 in the intervention group and 69 in the control group. The number of processes with at least one handling error was reduced from 96.4% to 56.7% in rectal tube administration and from 66.7% to 13.5% in buccal administration (both p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A one-time intervention for parents significantly and sustainably reduced high-risk handling errors. Dummy dolls and information sheet were adequate for an effective and feasible training to support the correct administration of anticonvulsant rescue medication.

Increasing Epilepsy Awareness in Schools: A Seizure Smart Schools Project.

A high prevalence of epilepsy diagnoses and seizure events among students was identified at a large Midwestern school district. In partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN), a quality improvement project was conducted to provide education and resources to staff caring for school children with seizures. School nurses (N = 26) were trained as seizure management educators and instructed staff in 21 schools on seizure awareness and response. School nurses utilized new seizure management resources, a procedural guideline, and care plan updates. The majority of school nurses rated the resources and training interventions as "very helpful." School nurse confidence in managing students with seizures increased, seizure action plan use increased, and 88% of children's records with new seizure diagnoses had completed documentation. School nurses played vital roles in increasing seizure awareness as educators and care managers. EFMN is using this project as an exemplar for expanding its Seizure Smart Schools program.

A Comprehensive Review on Current Insights Into Epileptic Encephalopathy: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies.

Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) represents a challenging group of disorders characterized by severe epilepsy and significant cognitive, behavioral, and neurological impairments. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the current insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for these disorders. Pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic factors, neurobiological mechanisms, and environmental influences that contribute to the severity and progression of symptoms. Clinical manifestations are diverse, encompassing various seizure types, cognitive and behavioral impairments, and developmental delays. Current therapeutic strategies include pharmacological treatments, nonpharmacological interventions, and emerging therapies such as gene and stem cell therapy. Despite advancements, significant challenges and limitations remain, highlighting the need for ongoing research and innovation. This review synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies research gaps, and proposes future directions, emphasizing the potential for personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Infantile Monosialoganglioside2 (GM2) Gangliosidosis With Concurrent Bronchopneumonia: An Extraordinary Case of Tay-Sachs Disease.

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase-A (Hex A), which results in the accumulation of monosialoganglioside2 (GM2) ganglioside within nerve cells, predominantly affecting individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. We report a remarkable case of a three-year-old South Asian male with infantile GM2 gangliosidosis, compounded by bronchopneumonia, a rarely documented complication in Tay-Sachs patients. The patient presented with recurrent seizures, fever, cough, and developmental delay. Confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained through reduced Hex A enzyme activity, corroborated by imaging and blood and urine analyses. Family history was significant for consanguinity and similar sibling fatalities. Despite the progressive nature of the disease, symptomatic management, including antiepileptic drugs, antibiotic therapy, and supportive care, led to an improvement in clinical condition, though ongoing monitoring remains essential. In this case, the coexistence of bronchopneumonia with Tay-Sachs disease is unusual, reflecting the necessity for this case report. The patient's response highlights the potential for symptomatic management, the importance of genetic counseling, and the imperative for research into gene and enzyme replacement therapies. The uniqueness of this case provides novel insights into the disease's spectrum, enhancing awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and refining care strategies for Tay-Sachs disease, aligning with the broader goals of improving patient outcomes and advancing medical research.

Hemolytic Anemia-Related Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report With Complications Including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The condition known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and vision problems due to brain swelling, which often can be seen in brain scans. While there have been some cases of PRES linked to conditions such autoimmune diseases and high blood pressure, we're sharing a unique case here. Our case involves severe kidney damage caused by idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. The patient also experienced loss of consciousness, seizures, and headache. Brain scans confirmed the signs of PRES. We managed to help the patient recover fully through careful treatment, including fluids, managing seizures, and transfusions. CASE DETAILS: Our patient was dealing with severe kidney damage from idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. They had episodes of loss of consciousness, seizures, and headaches. Brain scans showed that they had PRES. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: We found out that the patient had severe kidney damage because of hemolytic anaemia, and she also had PRES. We treated her by giving fluids, managing her seizures, and doing blood transfusions, along with other supportive care. CONCLUSIONS: With our treatment, the patient got better, her neurological symptoms improved, and her brain scans showed fewer signs of PRES. This case tells us something interesting - sometimes, anaemia can lead to rare neurological problems like PRES. We need to be aware of these possibilities to help patients better. Our successful treatment in this case emphasizes how important quick and comprehensive care can be for good outcomes.

"It's Not Just the Seizures": Brain Tumor Caregivers' Experiences and Educational Needs in Out-of-Hospital Seizure Management.

Objective: Family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with primary brain tumors (PBTs) report high levels of distress related to concerns about out-of-hospital seizures. This study aims to explore their experiences and needs with seizure management. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 FCGs of persons with PBTs, both those who have and those who have not experienced a seizure, to elicit their concerns about out-of-hospital seizure management and related information needs. A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis was conducted based on interview data. Results: Three primary themes were identified relative to FCG experiences and needs related to care of PBTs patients, especially seizure management: (1) FCGs' experiences with caring for persons with PBTs; (2) FCGs' educational needs for seizure preparation and resources; and (3) FCGs' desired type of educational resources and information about seizures. Often FCGs were reported being fearful of seizures and nearly all expressed difficulty knowing when to call emergency services. FCGs equally desired written and online resources, and most preferred graphics or videos detailing seizures. Most FCGs thought that seizure-related training should come after rather than at the time of PBTs diagnosis. FCGs of patients who have not experienced seizures were significantly less prepared to manage seizures than those with a prior seizure. Conclusions: Recognizing and managing out-of-hospital seizures can be a difficult and distressing task for FCGs of patients with PBTs and seizure-related resources are needed. Our results suggest that FCGs of care recipients with PBTs need early supportive interventions to provide self-care strategies and problem-solving skills to manage their roles as caregivers. Interventions should include educational components to assist them in understanding the best mechanisms to maintain a safe environment for their care recipients, and those that deepen knowledge about when to contact EMS.

Who cares? A scoping review on intellectual disability, epilepsy and social care.

PURPOSE: Nearly a quarter of people with Intellectual disability (PwID) have epilepsy. Many have seizures across their lifetime. In the UK supporting their epilepsy linked risks and needs, particularly in professional care settings and in the community, requires significant social care input. Therefore, the interface between social and health care services is important. This study aim is to identify key intersectional areas of social provision for PWID and epilepsy. METHODS: A scoping review of the literature was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidance with suitable search terms. The search was completed in CINAHL, Embase, Psych INFO, SCIE, and Cochrane electronic databases by an information specialist. A quality assessment was completed for the included studies where appropriate. The included studies were analysed qualitatively to identify key themes and provide a narrative description of the evidence by two reviewers. RESULTS: Of 748 papers screened, 94 were retrieved. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria with a range of methodologies. A thematic analysis generated four key categories for significant social care involvement i.e., staff training and education; emergency seizure management; holistic approach to care; and nocturnal monitoring and supervision. CONCLUSIONS: PwID with epilepsy have support needs that require fulfilling by various aspects of special care provision, many within the social ambit. Inspite of evidence of these needs and recurrent calls to work jointly with social care providers this has not happened. There is limited research into social care role in epilepsy management in PwID which needs addressing.

Recurrent Meningothelial Meningioma With Multiple Extensions: A Complex Case Study.

This case report presents a comprehensive analysis of a 67-year-old patient diagnosed in 2017 with meningothelial meningioma, focusing on the challenges of managing such tumors and their neurological implications. Meningiomas, being the most common benign intracranial neoplasms, have a notable research gap regarding their association with seizures and motor deficits. This patient, who had a history of depressive disorder, persistent cephalalgia syndrome, and ataxic gait, initially presented with symptoms including ataxic gait, confusion, and headache. Imaging revealed a large, hyperdense right frontal meningioma with a significant mass effect. Following surgical resection, the patient experienced notable neurological improvement. However, in 2023, the patient re-presented with bradypsychia, bradykinesia, and memory disorders, indicating a recurrent meningioma. This case exemplifies the recurrence and complex management of meningiomas, particularly in elderly patients, and highlights the importance of individualized treatment strategies. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment approach, supplemented by radiotherapy in cases of recurrence or incomplete resection. The case underscores the need for advancements in therapeutic approaches to mitigate recurrence risks and enhance patient outcomes in meningioma management. This is especially pertinent given the tumor's predilection for older females and its varied neurological manifestations, such as ataxic gait and seizures.

A pediatric seizure management virtual reality simulator for nursing students: A quasi-experimental design.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are a common neurologic disorder observed in children. A virtual reality (VR) simulator trains nursing students to understand and respond to pediatric seizures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine knowledge acquisition and acceptance of a pediatric seizure management VR simulator. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used to study the effectiveness of VR in nursing education. PARTICIPANTS: Two out of nine possible third-year Pediatric Nursing classes were assigned by the office of academic affairs. A total of 105 students participated. The two classes were randomly allocated into the intervention (n = 53) and control (n = 52) groups. METHODS: The intervention group was taught using a pediatric seizure management simulator; the control group was taught by in-person lecture. The Seizure Management Knowledge Test was administered to all participants before each group underwent their VR simulator and lecture respectively. The Pediatric Seizure Management Virtual Reality Acceptance Questionnaire and the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire were given to participants in the intervention group. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used to test differences in knowledge acquisition between the two groups. RESULTS: The posttest knowledge score in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t = 5.05, p < .001). The intervention group had a mean cybersickness score of 18.17 of 100. The average score of the acceptance questionnaire for perceived usefulness was 3.26 of 4; ease of use was 3.09 of 4; attitude toward use was 3.26 of 4; and willingness to use was 3.32 of 4. Over 90 % of participants expressed willingness to use the VR simulator. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed pediatric seizure management VR simulator is acceptable and worthwhile for training nursing students to develop their skills and professionalism. Follow-up research is needed to evaluate the long-term effect of VR education in nursing practice.

Knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy: A survey of people with epilepsy.

PROBLEM: Many studies focus on knowledge and attitudes of unaffected people towards epilepsy and people with epilepsy (PWE). The perspective of PWE themselves is much less explored. METHODS: We invited PWE in Germany to answer a questionnaire on their knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy and PWE. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 230 PWE (median age: 40 years; min./max.: 19/83; 66 % female). Of PWE, 22 % thought that PWE are more helpful, and 10 % thought that PWE are friendlier than other people. Nevertheless, reservations about relationships and friendships with other PWE existed: of the participants, only 74 % would definitely go on a date with another PWE, and 90 % would definitely include another PWE they liked into their circle of friends. Swimming was judged as more dangerous for PWE than for healthy people by 71 % of PWE. Of PWE, 86 % correctly assumed it was not useful to hold a person having a seizure to the ground. Putting a solid object in the mouth was considered not useful by 85 % of PWE. Of PWE, 20 % would definitely administer an available emergency medication if another PWE had a seizure. For 67 % of PWE, certain preconditions should have to be fulfilled such as an available document with instructions. Of PWE, 11 % stated they would not administer an available emergency medication if another PWE had a seizure. CONCLUSION: Although positive attitudes of PWE towards other PWE exist, we also found some reservations calling for psychosocial support. Most PWE had sufficient knowledge about risks of certain activities and about measures to be taken during a seizure. Nevertheless, a small group of PWE showed knowledge gaps. Thus, educational support still seems essential.

Evading Seizures: Phenobarbital Reintroduced as a Multifunctional Approach to End-of-Life Care.

The selected case study aimed to evaluate the role of phenobarbital as a drug of choice in end-of-life (EOL) settings. Phenobarbital is efficacious in management of EOL seizures and agitation, can be easily administered via different modes, and utilized in various palliative care (PC) settings. Mrs. X., 90-year-old female with a history of glioblastoma multiforme, was a resident of long-term care, residing in a PC unit. She presented with illness progression which resulted in an increased frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures which were managed initially with phenytoin. Due to the advanced stage of the illness and significant decline in the patient's cognitive and physical status, oral route and intravenous access were lost, and phenytoin became not an option for seizure control. She was then rotated to subcutaneous phenobarbital, as a result, starting at 30 mg once a day. The dose needed to be titrated up in 15 mg increments to achieve adequate seizure control, and she stabilized on 60 mg of subcutaneous phenobarbital after 2 days. No serious adverse skin reactions were noted with the use of phenobarbital, and it did not abruptly end a patient's life when used at appropriate doses. The sedative properties of phenobarbital had benefited Mrs. X and allowed her to be comfortable approaching EOL with glioblastoma multiforme.

Analysis of factors related to low health-related quality of life in children with epilepsy using a self-assessed Japanese version of the KIDSCREEN-52.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies on self-assessed generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to investigate generic HRQOL and associated factors among Japanese children with epilepsy. METHODS: In this clinic-based study, 277 children (aged 8-18 years) with epilepsy and 429 children without any chronic illnesses were recruited. HRQOL was evaluated using the Japanese version of the KIDSCREEN-52 self-reported questionnaire, which consisted of 52 items categorized into 10 dimensions related to the environment surrounding children. Multiple regression analysis was applied to explore related factors with low HRQOL in each dimension. RESULTS: We obtained the questionnaire from 171 (61.7%) and 306 (71.3%) children in the epilepsy and control groups, respectively. Short treatment period (<2 years), seizure lasting >30 min, and post-ictal symptoms were associated with a low HRQOL for School Environment (OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.34-10.86), Moods & Emotions (OR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.67-8.78), and Parent Relations & Home Life (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.29-9.72) dimensions, respectively. Complex neurodevelopmental disorders were associated with a low HRQOL for Social Support & Peers (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.33-9.66), School Environment (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.07-5.77), and Psychological Well-being (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.20-10.00) dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that early psychosocial support and better management of epilepsy may improve HRQOL. More support in school environments may be required for children with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Update on Anticonvulsant Therapy in the Emergent Small Animal Patient.

Seizures are common in veterinary patients and control is critical to the overall patient health. The benzodiazepine class of drugs (diazepam, midazolam, and lorazepam) often are the drug class of choice; however, levetiracetam and propofol also have been gaining favor as anticonvulsant drugs for acute seizure management. After cessation of seizures, practitioners then can discuss long-term seizure control on a case-by-case basis with clients.

Anesthesia for Neurosurgical Emergencies.

Neurosurgical procedures are unique in that the best monitoring modality is the neurologic examination and the most important sign includes an intact mental status. Anesthesiologists play a vital role in medical management of neurosurgical emergencies. The authors discuss the important management strategies for these emergencies, including increased intracranial pressure and impending brain herniation, acute alteration of mental status, status epilepticus, and trauma to cervical spine. The key is to maintain cerebral and spinal cord perfusion pressure at all times to salvage neuronal recovery.