The Effect of Neurology Rotation on Medical Students’ Knowledge About Epilepsy and Attitudes Toward Disease

Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder that is often manageable with antiepileptic medications. However, negative attitudes and stigma toward the disease remain a major social and personal burden.¹ In particular, limited knowledge and persistent misconceptions are key contributors to stigmatization, which has been shown to negatively affect the quality of life of patients with epilepsy.^1-3 Stigma is associated with multifactorial factors, inadequate education and insufficient disease-specific knowledge.^4-9

Studies from many low- and middle-income countries indicate that misconceptions—such as viewing epilepsy as a psychiatric, spiritual, or supernatural condition—remain widespread. Historically rooted misbeliefs have contributed to social isolation, reduced access to education and employment, marital difficulties, and even mortality.^10-14

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing appropriate acute and long-term care for patient with epilepsy. As future physicians, medical students will frequently encounter patients with epilepsy, and their knowledge and attitudes directly influence the quality of care they provide. However, medical students themselves may hold misconceptions or negative beliefs that affect clinical decision-making.^15-16 Structured educational interventions have been shown to reduce stigma and false beliefs.^{15, 17-21}

This study had two primary objectives: (1) to assess fifth‑year medical students’ knowledge of epilepsy and their attitudes toward the disease; (2) to evaluate the impact of the neurology rotation on these parameters.

Study Design and Participants

This prospective observational study was conducted among 5^th-year medical students at Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine between January 2025 and June 2025. A total of 148 students were eligible to participate in the study. Of these, 116 students completed both assessments (pre-test and post-test) and were included in the final analyses. Students who did not complete either assessment or who submitted incomplete questionnaires were excluded (n=32).

All students underwent a 3-week neurology rotation, and assessments were conducted on the first day (pre-test) and the last day (post-test) of the rotation.

Ethical Considerations

The study received approval from the Selçuk University Local Ethics Committee (approval no: 2025/27, date: 16.01.2025). Participants were voluntary, and electronic informed consent forms were obtained. Data were collected via Google Forms and stored securely.

Neurology Rotation Structure

The neurology rotation lasts 3 weeks and includes theoretical lectures, bedside clinical training, outpatient clinic participation, case discussions, neurophysiology laboratory exposure, and intensive care unit observations. Epilepsy was covered in both theoretical and practical components; however, no structured education was provided on its social aspects. Epilepsy-related theoretical instruction totalled approximately 4 hours and included epidemiology, seizure types, diagnostic strategies, treatment modalities (medical and surgical), and seizure first-aid. During the rotation, students also participate in diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy under the supervision of neurologists.

Data Collection Tools

Five tools were administered twice (pre-test and post-test):

1. Demographic Form

Participants were questioned about their demographic characteristics: age, gender, marital status, number of siblings, place of residence (with family-alone-student house-dormitory) and family financial status. Additionally, inquiries were made about possession of a driver’s license and active driving status. Furthermore, participants were questioned in medical history about neurological disease, epilepsy, antiepileptic drug, syncope and/or seizure. Finally, medical history about epilepsy in relatives, epilepsy among close friends, and witnessing of epileptic seizures were questioned.

2. Epilepsy Knowledge Questionnaire

The ‘‘epilepsy knowledge questionnaire’’ was employed to assess the participants’ knowledge about epilepsy. The scale consists of a total of 16 items. This questionnaire includes items about social, medical, and seizure-related knowledge about epilepsy. All questions had closed-ended answers. Participants were asked to choose one of the following options: ‘‘true,’’ ‘‘no idea,’’ or ‘‘false’’. Correct answers were scored as 1 point, while incorrect or “no idea” responses were scored as 0 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 16. An increased score indicates a higher level of knowledge about epilepsy. The scale is valid and reliable (Kuder Richardson =0.72).^{22, 23}

3. Single-item Driving in Epilepsy Knowledge Question

An item was questioned to measure the participants’ knowledge about driving in epilepsy. The legal driver’s license regulation for epilepsy in Türkiye was updated on September 29, 2021.²⁴ Patients who have one of the following two items are evaluated by 3 neurologists. As a result, patients can obtain a driver’s license.

3.a. A patient who has epileptic seizures—with or without loss of consciousness, provoked or unprovoked seizure—can obtain a driver’s license under this condition. “If he/she does not have a seizure during the neurological follow-up at six-month intervals for three years (without antiepileptic medication or with maximum of two medications).”

3.b. Patients who have had one unprovoked epileptic seizure can get a driver’s license under this condition. “Neurological follow-up at six-month intervals for two years, (no seizures and no antiepileptic medication for this period).”

4. Acute Seizure First-aid Knowledge Questionnaire

After literature review, the researchers developed a questionnaire to measure the students’ knowledge and awareness about approach to acute epileptic seizures. The form consists of 7 items with answers as (yes, no or no idea). Frequencies and percentages of correct answers were calculated. For the items assessing approach to seizures with options “yes,” “no,” or “no idea,” correct responses were assigned 1 point, and incorrect or “no idea” responses received 0 points.^{25, 26} This questionnaire is newly developed and not yet validity.

5. Attitudes Toward Epilepsy Scale

The “attitudes toward epilepsy” scale was used to assess the participants’ attitudes toward epilepsy. This scale consists of 14 questions. The items are scored from 1 to 5 (five-point Likert scale; scores range from 1-completely disagree to 5-completely agree). The total score ranges from 0 to 70. Higher scores indicated more negative attitudes. The scale is valid and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha =0.84).²²

Statistical Analysis

Analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean±standard deviation. Normality was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, histograms, and Q-Q plots. Chi-square was used for categorical variables. This analysis was used not only to describe frequency distributions, but specifically to compare categorical variables between groups (e.g., pre- and post-rotation knowledge levels, gender differences). Other statistical tests were applied as: McNemar or marginal homogeneity tests were used for paired categorical data; paired t-tests for normally distributed paired numerical variables; Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses as appropriate; and linear regression to identify predictors of attitudes. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Sociodemographic Characteristics

A total of 116 medical students completed both assessments before and after the neurology rotation. The mean age was 22.97±0.88 years, and gender distribution was balanced (52.6% female; 47.4% male). Most participants lived with family, and 85.3% had a driver’s license, although only 44% were active drivers. Additional demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1.

Knowledge About Epilepsy

Overall epilepsy knowledge improved significantly following the rotation. The mean total knowledge score increased from 13.43±1.92 to 15.00±1.17 (p=0.001). Seven of the sixteen items showed statistically significant improvement; these are detailed in Table 2A. Before the rotation, participants had sufficient knowledge about seizure triggers and misconceptions; however, knowledge about surgical treatment and seizure-related safety was limited. After the rotation, most items showed improvement, although some misconceptions persisted. The item-level results are shown in Table 2A.

Driving Regulations Related to Epilepsy

Knowledge about driving eligibility in patient with epilepsy improved significantly after the rotation (p=0.017). Driving knowledge level did not different between participants with and without a driver’s license (p=0.092). Related findings are presented in Table 2B.

First-aid Knowledge for Epileptic Seizures

Four of seven first-aid items showed significant improvement after the rotation (p<0.05). Although students demonstrated strong understanding of removing harmful objects and avoiding inappropriate resuscitation attempts, several misconceptions remained prevalent particularly regarding positioning the patient on their back and attempting to restrain convulsive movements. Detailed item responses are provided in Table 2C.

Attitudes Toward Epilepsy

Attitudes toward epilepsy did not change significantly after the rotation (pre-rotation: 22.27±6.11, post-rotation: 21.62±6.11, p=0.202). Items about attitudes, there was no statistical difference between the pre- and post-rotation groups (p>0.05). However, attitudes about marriage remained less positive in post-rotation period (p=0.027). All attitude-related results are shown in Table 3.

Correlation Between Knowledge and Attitudes

In the pre-rotation assessment, knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward disease were not significantly correlated (r=-0.089; p=0.342). After the rotation, a statistically significant negative correlation was detected (r=-0.214; p=0.021), indicating that higher knowledge scores were associated with more positive attitudes. As a result of, in the post-rotation period, the attitudes score decreases and attitudes become more positive.

Predictors of Attitudes Toward Epilepsy

A multiple linear regression model identified predictors of post-rotation attitude scores. Female gender predicted more negative attitude (β=0.327; p=0.001). Higher knowledge scores predicted more positive attitudes (β=-0.249; p=0.005). Regression details are presented in Table 4.

Over the past decade, many studies have examined the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of epilepsy. Despite these advances, inadequate and incorrect knowledge, negative attitudes, and persistent misconceptions remain widespread. Patients with epilepsy may experience social stigma and discrimination throughout their lives, and negative attitudes about epilepsy have also been documented among healthcare professionals and medical students.^3-7 In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether a 3-week clinical neurology rotation contributed to improving epilepsy-related knowledge and students’ attitudes. The rotation led to increased epilepsy-related knowledge; however, attitudes toward epilepsy did not change significantly. Regression analysis suggested that higher knowledge levels were associated with positive attitudes, particularly among male participants. Although higher knowledge levels were generally associated with more positive attitudes, this relationship was not observed among female students. One possibility is that attitudes in this group may be influenced more by personal beliefs, social factors, or prior experiences rather than short-term knowledge gains. Because our study was observational and not designed to explore gender-specific mechanisms, these interpretations remain speculative and should be investigated in future research.

Educational program play an important role in improving epilepsy-related knowledge.²⁷ Most previous studies have been cross-sectional and non-interventional design.^28-30 Nevertheless, many have reported significant increases in knowledge following seminars, conferences, and structured training programs.^31-33 Some studies have also shown that knowledge and positive attitudes may persist for up to one year after the intervention.²¹ In another study, students who received a 6-week intensive training program demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and more positive attitudes.³¹ Online epilepsy courses have additionally been associated with improvements in long-term knowledge and clinical practice.³⁴ Positive changes in attitudes have also been reported among university students following targeted educational activities.³⁵

In our study, knowledge scores increased after the rotation; however, the lowest-performing items involved safety during seizures and surgical treatment options (“epileptic patients can be dangerous for other people during a seizure”, false; “brain surgery may be a curative option for some patients”, true; and “epilepsy is an untreatable disease”, false). Attitude scores decreased slightly after the rotation, but this change was not statistically significant. The most negative attitudes were related to dating and marriage (“I would date someone who has epilepsy” and “I would marry someone who has epilepsy”). Similar findings have been reported previously, with the most persistent negative attitudes among university students concerning intimate relationships.^{20, 35} Although misconceptions often contribute to negative attitudes,^{36, 37} the regression analysis in our study identified male gender and higher knowledge as significant correlates with positive attitudes.

Misconceptions about first-aid in seizure remain a major global problem. Common false beliefs—such as the idea that smelling alcohol or cologne, or splashing water on the face, can stop a seizure—persist in many populations.¹⁶ Some individuals incorrectly believe that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately during seizures, a misconception that may lead to inappropriate or harmful actions.²⁵ Another harmful misconception involves attempting to open the patient’s mouth using objects such as sticks or cloths. Educational programs have been shown to reduce such unsafe practices; in one study, the proportion of participants who attempted to open the patient’s mouth decreased from 64.4% to 13.7% after training.³⁸ Other studies among health students and professionals have reported high initial rates of this belief.^{6, 39} In our study, the most accurately answered items regarding seizure management were “remove sharp objects from the area” (true) and “start CPR immediately” (false). The least accurate items were “lay the patient on his/her back” and “try to open the patient’s mouth with a stick/cloth”, although knowledge of these improved after the rotation. While the rotation contributed to better seizure-management knowledge, these findings indicate that short clinical exposure may be insufficient. Structured first-aid education specific to epileptic seizures should be integrated into the medical curriculum.

Driving plays an important role in independence and social functioning for individuals with epilepsy.⁴⁰ However, neurological conditions such as epilepsy may increase accident risk due to impaired consciousness or adverse effects of antiepileptic medications.⁴¹ Approximately one-third of patients continue to experience seizures despite treatment,⁴² and a notable proportion continue driving despite uncontrolled seizures.⁴³ Although precise figures vary internationally, it is known that some individuals conceal their diagnosis to obtain a driving license. Driving regulations for epilepsy differ across countries.^{44, 45} In Türkiye, updated driving regulations have been implemented since 2021. In previous studies with fifth-year medical students, correct responses regarding driving restrictions increased substantially after educational seminar.²⁰ In our study, correct responses regarding driving restrictions increased from 52.6% to 70.7% after the rotation, indicating improved awareness of medico-legal issues. Medical students will soon be responsible for issuing health reports and counselling patients, targeted training on the legal aspects of epilepsy is essential.

Strengths of the study: (1) The prospective design allowed evaluation of changes over time. (2) It is one of the few studies specifically assessing the impact of a neurology rotation. (3) The assessment covered general knowledge about epilepsy, its causes, seizure management, and students’ personal experiences. Therefore, many parameters were evaluated. (4) The instruments used were valid, reliable, and previously applied to medical students. (5) The pre- and post-rotation assessments enabled examination of rotation-related changes in knowledge and attitudes.

Study Limitations

(1) The use of closed-ended items may have limited the depth of knowledge assessment. (2) This single-centre design restricts generalizability; multicentre studies are needed to better evaluate knowledge and attitudes. (3) Long-term retention of knowledge and attitudes could not be assessed, as evaluations were performed only pre- and post-rotation. (4) Potential response biases, including voluntary participation and social desirability effects, could not be ruled out. (5) The lack of blinding may have influenced participants’ responses, as students were aware of the study’s purpose.

This study demonstrated that higher epilepsy-related knowledge was associated with more positive attitudes among medical students. Although the neurology rotation significantly improved knowledge—particularly regarding seizure management and driving regulations—several misconceptions persisted. Despite these improvements, overall attitude scores did not change meaningfully after the rotation. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational strategies within the medical curriculum to further strengthen students’ understanding and attitudes toward epilepsy.