Evaluation of the Effects of Fasting During the Holy Month of Ramadan on Patients with Epileptic Attacks Who Visited the Emergency Room

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system. Many factors affect the occurrence and severity of epileptic attacks (EAs). Food is one of the most challenging of the factors. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the important requirements in Islam, and it has always been challenging for epileptic patients. This study evaluated the number of EA cases admitted to the emergency room (ER) during Ramadan. Methods: This prospective and cross-sectional study evaluated all ER visits by EA patients during the months of Shaaban, Ramadan, and Shawwal (all were convulsions). In this study, the mean average ER visit frequency was compared in the three months. The differences between the mean averages of EA visits were significant (P<0.05). Results: Of the 156 cases, half were male and half were female. The frequency of EAs was 68, 35, and 53 for the months of Shaaban, Ramadan, and Shawwal, respectively. It was found that there was about 40% reduction in ER visits during the month of Ramadan, mainly due to the discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: During the Holy month of Ramadan, the number of visits to the ER due to EA (convulsions) decreased. Two mechanisms are involved in the reduced number of epileptic occurrences and their control: First, the consumption of a high-fat diet and bigger protein portions, and, second, reduced food consumption. Other possible factors are reduced travel during Ramadan, better administration of drugs, and the peaceful mind attributed to this month.