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Intractable Childhood Epilepsy and Maternal Fatigue

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Mohammed M.S. Jan
Mohammed M.S. Jan*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
*
Department of Pediatrics (Neurology), King Abdulaziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 80215. Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract

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Background:

Mothers of children with intractable epilepsy are generally stressed and experience more emotional problems. Fatigue may affect their productivity, social interactions, and their ability to adequately take care of their children. The objectives were to examine the relationship between intractable childhood epilepsy and maternal fatigue, and explore possible contributing factors.

Methods:

Sixty-four consecutive mothers of children with intractable epilepsy were identified prospectively. Exclusion criteria included degenerative/metabolic disorders or life threatening illness, such as brain tumors. Fatigue was measured using a standardized 11-item questionnaire, which has been revalidated in an Arabic speaking population.

Results:

Mothers' ages were 24-45 years (mean 34) and ages of their epileptic children were 1-15 years (mean 6.7). Most children (64%) had epilepsy for >2 years, were on >1 antiepileptic drug (AED) (72%), and had daily seizures (47%). Thirty-four (54%) of the children had motor deficits and 83% had mental retardation (severe in 41%). Twenty-eight (44%) mothers were fatigued. Factors associated with increased maternal fatigue included child's age <2 years (p=0.01), cryptogenic epilepsy (p=0.03), and severe motor deficits (p=0.04). Factors associated with lowered fatigue included performing regular exercise (p=0.006), lack of mental retardation (p=0.01), seizure control (p=0.05), using one AED (p=0.002), infrequent ER visits (p=0.005), and lack of recent hospitalization (p=0.005).

Conclusion:

Mothers of children with intractable epilepsy are increasingly fatigued. Several correlating factors were identified, mostly related to seizure control, mental and physical handicap. Strategies to manage the problem include proper education, seizure control, participation in regular exercise, social support, and psychological counseling.

Résumé:

RÉSUMÉ:Contexte:

Les mères d’enfants présentant une épilepsie réfractaire au traitement éprouvent un haut niveau de stress et présentent plus de problèmes émotifs. La fatigue peut affecter leur productivité, leurs interactions sociales et leur capacité à prendre soin adéquatement de leurs enfants. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’examiner la relation entre l’épilepsie réfractaire de l’enfance et la fatigue maternelle et d’explorer les facteurs qui y contribuent.

Méthodes:

Soixante-quatre mères d’enfants atteints d’épilepsie réfractaire ont été identifiées consécutivement de façon prospective. Les mères d’enfants atteints de maladies dégénératives ou métaboliques ou de maladies potentiellement fatales comme les tumeurs cérébrales étaient exclues. La fatigue était mesurée au moyen d’un questionnaire standardisé de 11 items qui a été revalidé dans la population de langue arabe.

Résultats:

Les mères étaient âgées de 24 à 45 ans (âge moyen de 34 ans et l’âge moyen de leurs enfants épileptiques était de 1 à 15 ans (âge moyen de 6,7 ans). La plupart des enfants (64%) étaient épileptiques depuis plus de 2 ans, prenaient plus d’un médicament antiépileptique (72%) et avaient des crises quotidiennes (47%). Trente-quatre (54%) des enfants avaient des déficits moteurs et 83% avaient un retard mental qui était sévère chez 41%. Vingt-huit (44%) des mères étaient fatiguées. Les facteurs associés à une fatigue maternelle plus sévère étaient les suivants : un enfant de moins de 2 ans (p = 0,01), une épilepsie cryptogénique (p = 0,03) et des déficits moteurs sévères (p = 0,004). Les facteurs associés à une fatigue moindre étaient l’activité physique régulière (p = 0,006), l’absence de retard mental (p = 0,01), le contrôle des crises (p = 0,05), l’utilisation d’un seul antiépileptique (p = 0,002), des visites peu fréquentes au service d’urgences (p = 0,005) et l’absence d’hospitalisation récente (p = 0,005).

Conclusions:

Les mères des enfants atteints d’épilepsie réfractaire éprouvent de plus en plus de fatigue. Plusieurs facteurs qui y sont corrélés ont été identifiés, surtout en rapport avec le contrôle des crises et le handicap mental et physique. Parmi les stratégies pour gérer le problème citons une éducation adéquate, le contrôle des crises, l’activité physique régulière, le soutien social et la consultation en psychologie.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 33 , Issue 3 , August 2006 , pp. 306 - 310
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2006

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