Background: Globally, teachers have misconceptions about epilepsy and its management. Little is known about Saudi Teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy in Taif City. Method: Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of schoolteachers in Taif Governate. Results: The study included (n = 420) schoolteachers. All heard about epilepsy and (n = 116, 27.6%) knew about epilepsy from an afflicted individual, and (n = 102, 24.3%) from social media outlets. Most teachers believed that an epileptic fit constitutes seizures (n = 370, 88.1%). Some (n = 330, 78.6%) were not satisfied with their knowledge level. Attitudes were positively associated with years of experience, but, generally, were only modest with 50.2% fearful of having an epileptic child in class. The mean practice score was 6.9 (out of 15). Practice was improved by having a pupil with epilepsy in class. Discussion and Conclusion: Schoolteachers in Taif showed excellent crude knowledge about epilepsy. However, knowledge of crucial details of the disorder were poor. This could be due to reliance on social media for information. There was high level of insight among schoolteachers regarding their sub-optimum knowledge levels. Knowledge was much better among experienced schoolteachers. Witnessing an epileptic fit improved knowledge. Teachers’ attitudes toward epilepsy were negative, likely because of significant epilepsy-related stigma. Years of experience were significantly associated with increased attitude score. Schoolteachers’ actual practice in handling epilepsy cases was below-expectation. There is pressing need for high-quality workshops to address knowledge and practice deficits.

Rationale: Vici syndrome (VICIS) is a rare, autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder with multisystem involvement characterized by agenesis of the corpus callosum, congenital cataracts, cardiomyopathy, combined immunodeficiency, significant developmental delay, and hypopigmentation and in some cases loss of hearing. It is caused by mutations in Ectopic P-granules protein 5 gene, which is responsible for regulating autophagy activity. Patient concern: We report a 6-month-old Saudi female patient who was the second-born baby of first cousins. She was born by normal spontaneous vertex vaginal delivery. Parents noticed that she had global developmental delay and recurrent hospital admissions due to chest infections. Diagnosis: Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed brain atrophy with corpus callosum agenesis. Ophthalmology examination revealed bilateral congenital cataract. Molecular genetic testing identified the pathogenic homozygous variant c.4751T>A p. (Leu1584∗) on exon 27 of the EPG5 gene and confirmed the diagnosis of Vici syndrome. Interventions: Supportive multidisciplinary care plan was initiated to this untreatable syndrome. Outcomes: The patient died at the age of 6 months due to sepsis with uncompensated septic shock. Lessons: VICIS is a rare untreatable disorder with worldwide distribution. High index of suspicion is needed to diagnose it and family genetic counselling is crucial.

Background: Saudi Arabia has the second-highest rate of diabetes in the Middle East. Herbal treatment is the most used complementary and alternative therapy among Saudi diabetic patients. Little is known about the use of complementary and alternative medicine among diabetic patients who reside in Taif city. Method: This study evaluated the magnitude and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics and primary healthcare in two governmental hospitals, namely, Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH) and National Gourd Hospital (NGH) in Taif city. Results: CAM prevalence was 33.7%, of whom 87.3% did not consult a doctor before use and 43.2% had more than one source of information while 62.7% used more than one CAM method. Around 49.2% reported that it is very useful, and 72.9% did not notice any side effect from its use. In addition, 47.5% would recommend CAM to other diabetic patients. All (100%) reported using bitter apple, 66.1% reported using cinnamon, 55.1% used ginger, 35.6% took fenugreek, and 21.2% reported using Garlic as an only CAM. Female gender, family history, diabetic complications, and longer duration of diabetes were associated with the increased use of CAM. Discussion and Conclusion: CAM use by diabetic patients in Taif is prevalent. Health education and the safe use of CAM is much needed. Appropriate efforts from the government to integrate CAM into conventional diabetes treatment should be considered.

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is the most common long-term complications of diabetes, frequently presenting as painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN), which can significantly impair patients’ quality of life (QOL). This study set to estimate the prevalence of PNPD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the setting of primary health care in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was conducted in primary health-care centers affiliated with the National Guard Health Affairs in Western Saudi Arabia. Arabic version of the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire was administered on diabetic patients to screen for neuropathic pain and short-form 12 questionnaire to assess HRQoL. Results: The study screened ( n = 349) Type 2 diabetic patients. The prevalence of PDPN was 33.2%. PDRN was more likely to affect females (adjusted odds ratio [“AOR”] =1.96, P = 0.024), and those living with diabetes for over 15 years (AOR = 2.26, P = 0.039), and those on insulin treatment (AOR: 2.33, P = 0.010) alone or in combination (AOR = 1.78, P = 0.034). Both physical and mental components (MCs) of QOL scores were significantly higher in diabetic patients without PDPN compared to those with it; 49.57 ± 9.31 versus 40.77 ± 8.14 for physical component QOL and 51.72 ± 9.36 versus 44.35 ± 8.12 for MC QOL, P < 0.001. Discussion and Conclusion: Painful peripheral neuropathy is relatively common among type 2 diabetic patients in Western Saudi Arabia and impacts both physical and MCs of the QOL of affected patients.