Document Details
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Document Type |
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Article In Journal |
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Document Title |
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Intractable Childhood Epilepsy and Maternal Fatigue. أرهاق امهات الأطفال المصابين بالصرع المستعصي |
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Document Language |
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English |
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Abstract |
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Background: Mothers of children with intractable epilepsy are generally stressed and experienced more emotional problems. Fatigue may affect their productivity, social interactions, and their ability to take care of their children adequately. The objectives were to examine the relationship between intractable childhood epilepsy and maternal fatigue, and explore possible contributing factors. Methods: 64 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 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 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). Conclusions: 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. |
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ISSN |
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0306-4522 |
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Journal Name |
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Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences |
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Volume |
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3 |
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Issue Number |
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33 |
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Publishing Year |
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2006 AH
2006 AD |
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Article Type |
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Article |
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Added Date |
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Saturday, March 13, 2010 |
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Researchers
| محمد جان | jan, Mohammed | Researcher | Doctorate | |
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