ABSTRACT

Objectives: Respiratory problems increase the number of epileptic seizures in individuals with epileptic seizures. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the number of seizures, sleep quality, and respiratory problems by evaluating the changes in respiratory parameters of epileptic patients.

Thirty individuals aged 18–40 years with generalized epilepsy were included in the study. Demographic data, number of seizures per week, pulse and blood pressure measurements, age of seizures, and body mass index were recorded. Dyspnea with mMRC; pulmonary function test; level of physical activity (PA) with International physical activity assessment survey (IPAQ); mouth pressure measuring device with respiratory muscle strength; and sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were evaluated.

Thirty patients with epileptic seizures (mean age: 26.56±6.64 years) were included in the study. The mean; % maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) 67.44, %Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) 35.14, MIP 70.47, and MEP 62.24 cmH2 O were found. The forced expiratory volumes/ forced vital capacity (FEV1 /FVC) (41.01%) and FEV1 (62.50%; 2.56 L) was found lower than the standards. The positive correlation between the MEP, MIP, FEV1 (L), and severe PA was found. FVC with sitting, FEV1 (L) with moderate PA, and FEV1 /FVC (%) with PSQI, sitting with educational status were positively correlated (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the %MIP and a systolic blood pressure; MIP, MEP (% and cmH2O) with diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05), and a positive correlation between the %MEP and SpO2 (p<0.05).

As a result, respiratory function, PA, and the sleep quality of individuals with epilepsy were affected. Respiratory muscle training, PA programs, and behavioral changes should be added to the medical treatment programs of these individuals.

Keywords: Generalized epilepsy, international physical activity question, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, pulmonary function test