Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

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  1. Wang XL, Bao JX, Liang-Shi, Tie-Ma, Deng YC, Zhao G, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2014 Mar;32:64-71.
    PMID: 24495864 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.12.016
    Jeavons syndrome (JS) is one of the underreported epileptic syndromes and is characterized by eyelid myoclonia (EM), eye closure-induced seizures or electroencephalography (EEG) paroxysms, and photosensitivity. In the Western populations, it has been reported to be characterized by focal posterior, occipital predominant epileptiform discharges (OPEDs) or frontal predominant epileptiform discharges (FPEDs) followed by generalized EDs in both interictal and ictal EEG recordings. However, it is not clear if there are different clinical manifestations between OPEDs and FPEDs. The clinical and electrographic presentations in the Chinese population are largely unknown. Here, we report the clinical and electroencephalographic features of 50 Chinese patients with JS and evaluate for the presence of different clinical features between patients with OPEDs and patients with FPEDs.
  2. Lim KS, Choo WY, Wu C, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2013 Nov;29(2):395-9.
    PMID: 24090773 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.08.027
    INTRODUCTION: None of the quantitative scales for public attitudes toward epilepsy had been translated to Malay language. This study aimed to translate and test the validity and reliability of a Malay version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale.
    METHOD: The translation was performed according to standard principles and tested in 140 Malay-speaking adults aged more than 18 years for psychometric validation.
    RESULTS: The items in each domain had similar standard deviations (equal item variance), ranging from 0.90 to 1.00 in the personal domain and from 0.87 to 1.23 in the general domain. The correlation between an item and its domain was 0.4 and above for all items and was higher than the correlation with the other domain. Multitrait analysis showed that the Malay PATE had a similar variance, floor and ceiling effects, and relative relationship between the domains as the original PATE. The Malay PATE scale showed a similar correlation with almost all demographic variables except age. Item means were generally clustered in the factor analysis as the hypothesized domains, except those for items 1 and 2. The Cronbach's α values were within acceptable range (0.757 and 0.716 for the general and personal domains, respectively).
    CONCLUSION: The Malay PATE scale is a validated and reliable translated version for measuring public attitudes toward epilepsy.
  3. Lim KS, Wu C, Choo WY, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2012 Jun;24(2):207-12.
    PMID: 22564888 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.03.038
    A quantitative scale of public attitudes toward epilepsy is essential to determine the magnitude of social stigma against epilepsy. This study aims to develop and validate a cross-culturally applicable scale of public attitudes toward epilepsy.
  4. Lua PL, Neni WS
    Epilepsy Behav, 2011 Jul;21(3):248-54.
    PMID: 21576038 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.03.039
    The influence of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes (AKA) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with epilepsy has not been widely established. The aims of this preliminary study were to (1) assess general AKA and HRQoL levels, (2) correlate AKA and HRQoL levels, and (3) compare the HRQoL of patients with epilepsy with different AKA levels. A cross-sectional sample of outpatients with epilepsy were recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15 employing descriptive and nonparametric statistics. On written consent, included patients completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Quality of Life in Epilepsy-30 (MQOLIE-30) instruments. Across all patients, both AKA levels (median: 80.0, range: 0-170) and overall HRQoL (median 51.5; range 15-97) were moderate. Awareness was significantly correlated only with Seizure Worry (r(s)=+0.29, p<0.05), whereas Knowledge was not significantly linked to any domain. However, Attitudes was significantly correlated with all domains (r(s)=+0.35 to +0.47, p<0.01) except Medication Effects and Seizure Worry. Patients with good AKA levels (Total Score ≥ median) experienced significantly better Overall Quality of Life and Cognitive Functioning (p<0.05). Findings showed that AKA may play an important role in influencing patients' HRQoL, suggesting that epilepsy treatment efforts should also focus on enhancing AKA through epilepsy awareness to improve health outcomes.

    Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah
  5. Razali SM, Mohd Yasin MA
    Epilepsy Behav, 2008 Aug;13(2):343-9.
    PMID: 18514034 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.04.009
    The objective of this study was to describe and compare the pathways followed by Malay patients with psychoses (schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder) and Malay patients with epilepsy to a tertiary health center in the northeastern area of peninsular Malaysia. There were 60 patients in each group. The most popular pathway for both groups was first contact with traditional or alternative healers. Consultation with Malay traditional healers (bomohs) and/or homeopathic practitioners (44.2%) was significantly higher for psychotic patients (61.7%) than for patients with epilepsy (26.7%) (chi(2)(2)=15.609, P<0.001). Direct access (24.2%) was the second most popular pathway and almost equally followed by both groups of patients. The third and last pathway was initial contact with private general practitioners and government doctors, respectively. Patients with epilepsy dominated the last two pathways. The treatment delay (TD) was significantly longer in epileptic than psychotic patients regardless of their visit to a bomoh and/or homeopathic practitioner (P<0001) or not (p<0.01). The socioeconomic status of psychotic patients also was significantly better than people with epilepsy (chi(2)=9.957, chi(2)(4), p=0.041).

    Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia HUSM
  6. Lim KS, Wo SW, Wong MH, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2013 Apr;27(1):130-4.
    PMID: 23416283 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.12.034
    Studies on the impact of epilepsy on employment have been extensively performed in European and some Asian countries but not in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, a country with a robust economy, low unemployment rate, and minimal social security benefits for the unemployed. This study aims to determine the impact of epilepsy on employment in Malaysia.
  7. Lim KS, Hills MD, Choo WY, Wong MH, Wu C, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2013 Feb;26(2):158-61.
    PMID: 23314303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.12.001
    Students' attitudes toward epilepsy have been studied in several countries, but none of the studies used a quantitative scale. We aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale in a homogenous population consisting of secondary and tertiary students in Malaysia and to quantify their attitudes toward epilepsy, using a web-based survey.
  8. Wo SW, Lai PS, Ong LC, Low WY, Lim KS, Tay CG, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2015 Apr;45:118-23.
    PMID: 25819800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.02.037
    We aimed to cross-culturally adapt the parent-proxy Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQOL-25) into Malay and to determine its validity and reliability among parents of children with epilepsy in Malaysia.
  9. Wo MC, Lim KS, Choo WY, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2015 Apr;45:21-30.
    PMID: 25794681 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.02.016
    This study aimed to explore positive and negative factors affecting the employability in patients with uncontrolled seizures.
  10. Tan JW, Khoo TB, Burharudin NF, Mohamed Shah N
    Epilepsy Behav, 2020 10;111:107317.
    PMID: 32693382 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107317
    PURPOSE: Self-management is crucial in the management of chronic diseases. However, information is limited on medication self-management among parents of children with epilepsy. This study aimed to assess medication self-management among parents of children with epilepsy and its association with sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, antiepileptic drug (AED) regimen complexity, and parent self-reported AED adherence.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary care center in Malaysia from February 2019 to June 2019. Parents of children with epilepsy who were on AED for at least 3 months and aged ≤18 years old were recruited. Medication self-management was assessed using a validated Pediatric Epilepsy Medication Self-Management Questionnaire (PEMSQ). A higher total score reflects better medication self-management.

    RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were recruited. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 8.20 ± 5.21 years, and 51.8% and 36.7% of patients have generalized seizure and focal seizure, respectively. The mean ± SD PEMSQ score was 116.2 ± 11.28 from a total score of 135. Among the four domains of PEMSQ, the barriers to treatment contributed to the lowest mean scores. Univariate analysis showed that the following were significantly associated with poorer medication self-management: differences in ethnicity, religion; higher number of medications; presence of comorbidities; inability to swallow tablets; and a more complex AED regimen. Other variables were not significant. Multivariate analysis showed that only ethnicity and presence of comorbidity remained independently significant (R2 = 0.14; F [4, 161] = 6.28; p 

  11. Chia ZJ, Lim KS, Fong SL, Sim RS, Rajahram GS, Narayanan V, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2020 09;110:107158.
    PMID: 32512367 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107158
    BACKGROUND: Epilepsy stigma is an important issue affecting people with epilepsy (PWE) in various social aspects of life. Most studies on stigma were among the metropolitan population but rarely on indigenous people. Hence, this study aimed to understand the attitudes toward epilepsy of the East Malaysians, comparing with the West Malaysians previously reported.

    METHOD: This study was performed among the indigenous people in Kuching and Sibu (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) using the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale. A higher score indicates poorer attitude.

    RESULT: A total of 360 respondents (41.7% Kadazan-Dusun, 30.6% Bidayuh, and 24.7% Iban) aged 34.6 ± 12.6 years completed the questionnaire. They were predominantly females and had lower education level and income compared with the West Malaysians. The Sabah population had significantly lower mean scores (better attitudes) than those in Sarawak, in both personal and general domains (p 

  12. Aktürk T, Tanık N, Saçmacı H, Chia ZJ, Lim KS
    Epilepsy Behav, 2020 10;111:107245.
    PMID: 32693372 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107245
    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale, which aims to understand public perceptions of seizures and epilepsy.

    METHODS: The scale was translated following the standard procedures. For psychometric validation, the Turkish version of the PATE scale was administered to 201 native Turkish speakers above the age of 18 who had no history of seizures or epilepsy. It was found that the respondents were able to fill out the scale quickly and without difficulty in understanding the translated items on the scale.

    RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.843 for the overall scale and above 0.7 for each individual item. Cronbach's alpha was 0.78 for the general domain and 0.792 for the personal domain. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out and showed that the scale had a structure similar to that of the original scale, with the 14 items grouped under two dimensions, similar to the original scale.

    CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the PATE scale was a valid and reliable tool to measure the attitudes toward epilepsy in Turkish society.

  13. Akyuz E, Paudel YN, Polat AK, Dundar HE, Angelopoulou E
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 Feb;115:107701.
    PMID: 33412369 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107701
    Epilepsy is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by the repeated occurrence of epileptic seizures. Epilepsy stands as a global health concern affecting around 70 million people worldwide. The mainstream antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) only exert symptomatic relief and drug-resistant epilepsy occurs in up to 33 percent of patients. Hence, the investigation of novel therapeutic strategies against epileptic seizures that could exert disease modifying effects is of paramount importance. In this context, compounds of natural origin with potential antiepileptic properties have recently gained increasing attention. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid with several pharmacological activities. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the antiepileptic potential of quercetin as well. Herein, based on the available evidence, we discuss the neuroprotective effects of quercetin against epileptic seizures and further analyze the plausible underlying molecular mechanisms. Our review suggests that quercetin might be a potential therapeutic candidate against epilepsy that deserves further investigation, and paves the way for the development of plant-derived antiepileptic treatment approaches.
  14. Chia ZJ, Lim KS, Lee SR, Lai WW, Chan PQ, Ng SJ, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 Apr;117:107798.
    PMID: 33582391 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107798
    BACKGROUND: In epilepsy stigma, certain perceptions are culturally dependent and greatly influence a person's attitudes. Hence, we aimed to explore the perceptions associated with attitudes toward epilepsy in various urban subpopulations.

    METHOD: This is a mixed-method study employing the Public Attitude Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale as the quantitative measure, followed by a semi-structured interview. The qualitative data were then counted and analyzed concurrently with the quantitative data.

    RESULT: A total of 410 respondents (104 people with epilepsy [PWE]; 104 family members [FM]; 100 medical students [MS]; 102 public [Pb]) aged 37 years (IQR 23-55) were recruited. They were mostly female (57.3%), Chinese (52.0%), and highly educated (63.7%). The attitudes toward epilepsy among medical students are the best, followed by the PWE and their family members, and the worst among the public. The qualitative results revealed 4 main themes, which were "general social values", "epilepsy severity and control", "PWE's abilities", and "harms and burdens to the respondents and others". A two-dimensional perception model was constructed based on these themes, which consisted of general-personal and universal-specific dimensions. Generally, the PWE/FM subgroup focused more on PWE's abilities, whereas the MS/Pb subgroup more on general social values, and harms and burden. In the education aspect, most attitudes were related to the epilepsy severity and PWE's abilities, whereas in employment, the main consideration was the PWE's abilities. Burden to life and concern about inheritance were major considerations in the marital relationship. Those with positive attitudes tend to highlight the importance of general social values, while negative attitudes associated more with epilepsy severity. In general domain, general social values were the main considering factor but in personal domain, most participants will consider epilepsy severity and control, harms and burden to themselves.

    CONCLUSION: The perceptions underlying attitudes toward epilepsy were complex and varied between subpopulations, attitude levels, domains, and aspects of life. (304 words).

  15. Coonan E, Tatum W
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 04;117:107882.
    PMID: 33690067 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107882
    Illicit drugs are used to produce a sense of euphoria in the user. Like marijuana, kratom is a plant-based substance. The leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree were used to treat mild medical conditions in Thailand and Malaysia as a stimulant in low doses, and sedative and analgesic at high doses. Over recent years, kratom gained popularity as a recreational drug among younger individuals in Southeast Asia due to its availability as a cheap and easily assessable substance with euphoric effects. This trend has rapidly made its way to the West. Unlike marijuana, in the United States kratom's use as an inexpensive herbal recreational "supplement" is poorly popularized. However, emerging reports garnished from use as a recreational drug reveals a potential health hazard. Seizures and neurological consequences have been reported from kratom abuse. Complex pharmacokinetics place patients at further risk of side effects and drug interactions. Still, individuals can legally purchase kratom at stores and through online distributers in capsule form or as teas, powders, and extracts under the veil of a harmless herbal remedy. Without United States Food and Drug Administration oversight, kratom has a high potential for abuse and without regulatory control threatens public safety.
  16. Lai ST, Lim KS, Tang V, Low WY
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 05;118:107916.
    PMID: 33743343 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107916
    BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in promoting psychological wellbeing in people with epilepsy (PWE) using an assessor-blinded randomized controlled design.

    METHODS: A total of 28 PWE were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 14 cases) or control group (n = 14 controls). The intervention group received a six 2.5-hour weekly MBI, while the control group did not receive any intervention. They were assessed at three timepoints (T0: before intervention, T1: immediately after intervention, and T2: 6 weeks after intervention). Repeated measures of analyses of variance (RM-ANOVAs) were used for inter-group comparisons to determine intervention effect from baseline -to T1 and -to T2 for all outcome measures. The individual changes were calculated using the reliable change index (RCI). Key outcomes included depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), epilepsy-related quality of life (QOLIE-31), satisfaction with life (SWLS), and level of mindfulness (MAAS).

    RESULTS: Participants who participated in the MBI showed significant reduction in BDI-II (p = 0.001), significant increases in MAAS (p = 0.027) and QOLIE-31 (p = 0.001) at T1 when compared with the control group. However, BAI and SWLS were not significant. The trend was similar at 6-week follow-up, all outcome measures of MBI remained significant (p 

  17. Halim SA, Low JH, Chee YC, Alias MR
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 08;121(Pt A):108057.
    PMID: 34052638 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108057
    We report a case series of young adults who were admitted to hospital with seizures after regular kratom beverage consumption. This study aimed to determine kratom consumption habits and seizure characteristics and to explore whether chronic kratom ingestion without concomitant drug abuse leads to recurrent seizure or epilepsy. All patients underwent blood investigations, a brain computed tomography (CT) scan, electroencephalography, and urine testing for mitragynine and drug toxicology. Eleven participants who had a positive urine mitragynine test were included in the study. The longest duration of kratom consumption was 84 months: - most drank more than eight times per month (>200 mL/drink). Seizure developed within 10 minutes or up to 72 hours post-ingestion. Seizure occurred one to three times per year in most cases. Four patients had a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure whereas the remaining participants had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Four patients mixed kratom with diphenhydramine syrup, and one patient took methamphetamine. Two patients had positive urine results for recreational drugs (opioid and amphetamine). This study provided indirect evidence that chronic kratom use with or without concomitant drug abuse can cause recurrent seizures in susceptible individuals, which may progress to epilepsy or require antiepileptic medication.
  18. Koh MY, Lim KS, Fong SL, Khor SB, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 09;122:108215.
    PMID: 34325157 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108215
    BACKGROUND: Telehealth use is limited in developing countries. Therefore, a modified approach with early physical consultation was designed and applied in our hospital. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of this early physical consultation in reducing the clinical and psychological impacts of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), which enabled insight into its global feasibility.

    METHOD: Participants were contacted and offered early physical consultation with a neurologist. Patients who participated in the Phase 1 study on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with epilepsy and treated in our hospital were recruited. Clinical and psychological outcomes of COVID-19 were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31).

    RESULT: A total of 312 patients completed this study with a mean age of 39.13 ± 16.13 years, majority female (51.0%), and experienced seizures at least once yearly (64.7%). There was 12.6% who experienced seizure worsening related to the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving early clinical intervention, 30.8% achieved better seizure control with another 51.1% had no seizure occurrence. The mean HADS anxiety score improved immediately post-intervention (5.27 ± 4.32 vs. 4.79 ± 4.26, p 

  19. Lim KS, Lotay N, White R, Kwan P
    Epilepsy Behav, 2016 Jul 1;61:224-230.
    PMID: 27376872 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.05.018
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive retigabine/ezogabine (RTG/EZG) therapy in Asian adults with partial-onset seizures.
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