Education and Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Adults and Children

Background: Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) find difficulties in completing their education due to many reasons. Education among adult and child patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has not been addressed in KFSHRC yet. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the level of education that refractory epilepsy patients are receiving at school. The reason for difficulties confronted by the patients and shortage of attendance at school. Method: An approved survey was distributed among 187 adult and children patients of refractory epilepsy at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, KSA. Result: In our prospective cohort study, we were able to analyze the level of education that drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients receive at school and the level of education acquired by the DRE patients. The responses were used to evaluate the causes of absence from school, difficulties confronted by the patients, and how drug resistance in patients hinders daily tasks. A question about the mental health of the patient, the reason for the shortage of attendance at school, or any social aspects that are making complications in attaining the right amount of education. Conclusion: A significant number of patients had no problem while attending school. Whereas, the graph had a significant value when correlated with age and education about epilepsy. This means that the patients attend the school but lack knowledge or awareness about epilepsy. We should work on increasing awareness amongst the community.