Fasting During Ramadan May Be Safe for Some Epilepsy Patients

Source: Epilepsy & behavior : E&B

Summary

A recent study looked at how fasting during Ramadan affects seizure activity in adults with epilepsy. Researchers reviewed articles published between 2000 and early 2025, focusing on those that discussed fasting during Ramadan and its impact on seizures. Out of 1,485 articles, they found eight relevant studies, which included data from 564 patients.

The findings showed that about 61% of the patients did not have any seizures during Ramadan. However, the results varied widely among the studies. Some patients had a higher risk of seizures if they were taking multiple medications, had poor seizure control before Ramadan, or experienced longer fasting hours. On the other hand, those who had longer periods without seizures and more sleep before Ramadan were more likely to remain seizure-free during the fasting period.

These results are important because they suggest that some people with epilepsy can safely fast during Ramadan with the right medical guidance. However, the differences in study results indicate that more consistent research is needed to understand how fasting affects seizure activity better. Careful monitoring and support are essential for those considering fasting, especially for individuals with more complex epilepsy situations.

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