Related Articles Evaluating risk to people with epilepsy during the COVID 19 pandemic Preliminary findings from the COV E study Epilepsy Behav 2020 Nov 28 107658 Authors Thorpe J Ashby S Hallab A Ding D Andraus M Dugan P Perucca P Costello D French JA O Brien TJ Depondt C Andrade DM Sengupta R Delanty N Jette N Newton CR Brodie MJ Devinsky O Helen Cross J Sander JW Hanna J Sen A COVID 19 and Epilepsy COV E Study Group Abstract The COVID 19 pandemic has caused global anguish unparalleled in recent times As cases rise increased pressure on health services combined with severe disruption to people s everyday lives can adversely affect individuals living with chronic illnesses including people with epilepsy Stressors related to disruption to healthcare finances mental well being relationships schooling physical activity and increased isolation could increase seizures and impair epilepsy self management We aim to understand the impact that COVID 19 has had on the health and well being of people with epilepsy focusing on exposure to increased risk of seizures associated comorbidity and mortality We designed two online surveys with one addressing people with epilepsy directly and the second for caregivers to report on behalf of a person with epilepsy The survey is ongoing and has yielded 463 UK based responses by the end of September 2020 Forty percent of respondents reported health changes during the pandemic n 185 Respondents cited a change in seizures 19 n 88 mental health difficulties 34 n 161 and sleep disruption 26 n 121 as the main reasons Thirteen percent found it difficult to take medication on time A third had difficulty accessing medical services n 154 with 8 having had an appointment canceled n 39 Only a small proportion reported having had discussions about epilepsy related risks such as safety precautions 16 n 74 mental health 29 n 134 sleep 30 n 140 and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy SUDEP 15 n 69 in the previous 12 months These findings suggest that people with epilepsy are currently experiencing health changes coupled with inadequate access to services Also there seems to be a history of poor risk communication in the months preceding the pandemic As the UK witnesses a second COVID 19 wave those involved in healthcare delivery must ensure optimal care is provided for people with chronic conditions such as epilepsy to ensure that avoidable morbidity and mortality is prevented during the pandemic and beyond PMID 33341393 PubMed as supplied by publisher