Abstracts

Quality of life (QOL) issues have gained attention in the epilepsy community. Little is known about the use of alcohol and recreational drugs (RD) in persons with epilepsy (PWE). The consequences of using RD in a PWE may potentially cause serious injury, seizure exacerbation, or worse. Understanding RD use among PWE has important implications for the health of PWE. An educational needs analysis survey was conducted in conjunction with Mayo School of Continuing Medical Education and the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona (EF Az). The EFAz is the singular organization of PWE and their caregivers for Arizona and their demographics mirror those of the Southwest USA. Thus surveying the EFAz provides representative opinions regarding RD. PWE and their caregivers were asked about the usage of RD, alcohol, and tobacco. Demographic variables included sex, age, educational level,and diagnosis of drug abuse. People in the data base were asked about casual use and possible abuse of non-prescribed substances both illigal and legal. Surveys were mailed to all persons in the data base and people were asked to return completed surveys. Results were analyzed using computer scoring. A return rate of approximately 10% was achieved. Two hundred and sixty responses were analyzed representing approximately 10 % of the EFAz. 59% of the respondents were female. 65% had a high school education or less and 35% had a college degree or more. 88% of the PWE were 30 years or older. 87% of the PWE had epilepsy greater than 3 years. 9% of PWE are currently using alcohol on a regular basis. 81 % of PWE felt there was a history of alcohol use causing some [ldquo]problem[rdquo] in their life. Overall, at least 13% PWE reported having used illicit RD, habitual illicit drug use was 4.3 %. Alcohol (legal), followed by marijuana (illegal) were the two top drugs identified as being used habitually by PWE. After being diagnosed with epilepsy, 13.5 % have used marijuana, 11% have used cocaine or amphetamine, 6.5% hallucinogens (mushrooms, peyote, LSD, PCP), and 2% have used inhalants (toluene, paint, nitrous oxide). 29% have used over the counter cough preparations without consulting their health care provider. 15.4% of PWE have used a benzodiazepine and 29.2 % have used a narcotic analgesic which had not been prescribed. 79 % used one or more caffeinated drinks per day and 83.5 % use no tobacco products. 5.7 % of PWE have been arrested for drug or alcohol related offences and 5.8 % have been treated for drug or alcohol dependence. Illicit drug use in PWE in Arizona mirrors national use estimates for the general population. The fact that PWE are using any dangerous RD at all suggests a significant educational need exists for PWE and their caregivers. The motivation for use of these substances and their effect on the PWE remains unclear and would benefit from further study. (Supported by Mayo School of Continuing Medical Education)