Authors :
Mohammad Athamneh, MD – Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Rimaz Younis, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
Presenting Author: Ali Smadi, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
Layan Abu Ali, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
Mesk Alsouqi, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Tala Abdulaziz, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
majd AlOmari, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
Ali Almughaher, MD – Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid-Jordan
Rationale:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The disease can manifest across all age groups with diverse clinical presentations and etiological factors. It is diagnosed when seizures occur repeatedly, and after excluding other possible underlying causes such as hyperthermia or metabolic disturbances.
Smoking has been proposed to affect several systems in our body including the central nervous system. This interaction may significantly influence the onset of seizures or exacerbate epilepsy in specific individuals. Nicotine and other tobacco components may lower the seizure threshold and alter cerebrovascular activity, thereby contributing to epilepsy exacerbation. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the relationship between smoking and epilepsy, with particular emphasis on how smoking habits and nicotine exposure could influence seizure frequency.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 145 patients diagnosed with epilepsy. Measures completed included the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31), which assessed various aspects such as emotional well-being, seizure-related worry, cognitive function, and general quality of life. Smoking habits were evaluated using the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI), while vaping habits were assessed using the Heaviness of Vaping Index (HVI). Seizure severity was characterized by patient-rated measures, including seizure frequency and type.
Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, with adjustments for age, gender, income, and educational level. The reliability of QOLIE-31 subscales was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.
Results:
The overall mean QOLIE score was 58.9 (SD = 22.4). Nicotine dependence (HSI) was negatively correlated with overall quality of life (r = –0.310, p < .001) and several QOLIE subdomains. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in quality of life across smoking levels (p = .002), with post hoc tests confirming reduced QOLIE scores among higher-dependence groups.