Epilepsy services in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective:To assess the epilepsy services and identify the challenges in hospitals without epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs). In addition, comparisons between governmental and private sectors, as well as between regions, are to be performed.Methods:A cross-sectional study conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to the secondary and tertiary hospitals without EMUs throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study was conducted from September 2013 to September 2015 and regular updates from all respondents were constantly made. Items in the questionnaire included the region of the institution, the number of pediatric and adult neurologists and neurosurgeons along with their subspecialties, the number of beds in the Neurology Department, whether they provide educational services and have epilepsy clinics and if they refer patients to an EMU or intend to establish one in the future.Results:Forty-three institutions throughout the Kingdom responded, representing a response rate of 54%. The majority of hospitals (58.1%) had no adult epileptologists. A complete lack of pediatric epileptologists was observed in 72.1% of hospitals. Around 39.5% were utilizing beds from internal medicine. Hospitals with an epilepsy clinic represented 34.9% across all regions and sectors. Hospitals with no intention of establishing an EMU represented 53.5%. Hospitals that did not refer their epileptic patients to an EMU represented 30.2%.Conclusions:Epilepsy services in KSA hospitals without EMUs are underdeveloped.

Stroke and seizure continue to be the major brunt of in patient neurology care

“…According to a recent study describing the epilepsy services in SA, there is a real shortage of epileptologist and epilepsy monitoring units (EMU), especially in the northern and southern regions of KSA. 17 Multiple sclerosis was the leading cause of hospitalization following IS and seizures. The change in epidemiology of MS has been observed worldwide.…”

Epilepsy monitoring units in Saudi Arabia:

“…This study did not investigate the epilepsy services provided by hospitals with no EMUs as it has already been discussed previously. 24 In conclusion, there are 11 EMUs in Saudi Arabia fully equipped to serve epileptic patients. They also appears to be a potential to service more patients per year at most centers.…”

Electroencephalography findings in childhood epilepsy in a Saudi population: Yield, pattern and determinants of abnormality

“… 2 It is often associated with a considerable socioeconomic burden to the healthcare system and the people living with epilepsy (PWE), as well as their relations and caregivers. 2 , 3 , 4 The cause of the disorder is unknown 2 in six out of ten cases of epilepsy in KSA. 2 In Saudi communities, the most common aetiologies include static encephalopathy, cerebral trauma, and paediatric intracranial infection.…”