A message from Dr Sophia Varadkar (Ring20 Medical Advisor)

Dear Ring 20 Community

We find ourselves in very exceptional times. Some of you have asked if there is any particular advice for you around COVID-19 and epilepsy.

Overall children and young people do not seem to be very ill with coronavirus; this is good news.  All the information we are receiving from other countries tells us that the children with epilepsy are not more affected than other children.

Fevers and other illnesses can be a trigger for seizures, but the coronavirus itself does not seem to make epilepsy worse..

Children and people with epilepsy are not at increased risk compared to people without epilepsy.  It may be that you have other reasons to be vulnerable, such as problems with your chest or mobility.

The most important thing you can do to protect yourselves and your families is to keep washing your hands and to follow advice from your health service regarding social-distancing and isolation.

You may find the links to further advice helpful:

EPNS (this website is regularly updated and includes various links including ILAE guidance)

Epilepsy Action

International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE)

Keep well!

Regards

Sophie