Improving Epilepsy Care For Children in Iran - Reza Shervin-Badv, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Reza Shervin-Badv, a paediatric epileptologist and neurologist talks about the diverse care available for people in Iran, plus the common epilepsy stigma which is being challenged through education and advances in medical care.
Reported by Torie Robinson | Edited and produced by Carrot Cruncher Media.
Podcast
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00:00 Reza Shervin-Badv
“Parents may feel protective and limit their child's activities due to fear of recurring seizures, which can impact the child's development and independence.”
00:13 Torie Robinson
Fellow homo sapiens! My name is Torie Robinson, and welcome to, or welcome back to: Epilepsy Sparks Insights.
The epilepsies affect people from all over the world - including people from Iran - where, as we shall learn today, from our guest, there are clinicians and researchers working both together and internationally to improve access to care, quality of care, and to reduce beliefs like “seizures are linked to supernatural causes or moral failings!”.
So, may I introduce to you, neurologist and epileptologist from Tehran, Reza Shervin-Badv!
00:44 Reza Shervin-Badv
In my role as a paediatric neurologist and epileptologist, I have [been] fortunate to lead and participate in several key initiatives. For example, I have helped develop a specialised epilepsy [inaudible] that provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for children with epilepsy. Our amazing team includes paediatric neurologists, neurophysiologists, epilepsy, nurses and social workers, neurosurgeons and psychiatrists, and ensuring a holistic approach to care. We also have a dedicated fellowship programme on paediatric neurophysiology in our centre (Children's Medical Centre), Paediatric Centre of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Additionally, I have been involved in training programmes for new specialists and conducting research on drug-resistant epilepsies in children, ketogenic diets, genetic epilepsy; focussing on improving treatments outcomes through personalised care plans, and precision medicine.
We work closely with international collaborators to ensure we are using the most up-to-date protocols. As a part of a team, I emphasise team collaboration and patient-centred care - recognising that managing paediatric epilepsy requires ongoing communication between medical staff, patients and their families.
Epilepsy care in Iran has come a long way, but there is still much to be done, especially in expanding access to remote areas - because Iran is a big country. I'm proud to be a part of a dynamic team that is helping to drive these changes and improves the lives of children with epilepsy through both clinical work and also advocacy.
03:02 Torie Robinson
Do tell us about epilepsy care in Iran then - It’s somewhere I haven’t yet visited!
03:07 Reza Shervin-Badv
Iran has seen significant advancements in recent years - with increasing collaboration between neurologists - both paediatrics and adult epileptologists (paediatrics and adults) and other healthcare professionals. Many leading, academic centres and hospitals in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Ahvaz now offer a specialised care for epilepsy including access to a series of state-of the-art diagnostic tools such as video EEG monitoring, dedicated MRI and other neuroimagings and also genetic tests and techniques. Epilepsy surgery programmes are also becoming more common - especially for patients with drug-resistant epilepsies. This multidisciplinary approach includes a neurologist, neurosurgeons, psychologists, and social workers; ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. However, in some remote areas, access remains more limited and efforts are ongoing to improve this.
04:23 Torie Robinson
So, what about epilepsy research? How are things on the academic side in Iran?
04:28 Reza Shervin-Badv
Academically, Iranian universities and research centres are involved in cutting-edge research on epilepsy and institutions and some organisation like [the] Iran Epilepsy Society and Tehran University of Medical Sciences, [inaudible], Shiraz University and [inaudible] and Mashhad University is conducting studies on genetic causes, treatment outcomes, and the psychological effects of epilepsy on children and their families. On the other hand, collaborative efforts with international epilepsy organisations allow Iranian researchers and clinicians to stay updated on a global advancement. This collaboration includes co-operation with ILAE and other international organisations.
05:29 Torie Robinson
Oh, fabulous!
05:30 Reza Shervin-Badv
Additionally, specialised epilepsy conferences are held regularly to foster knowledge, exchange, and academic programmes are being developed to train more adult and paediatric neurologist and epileptologists to meet a growing demand. From [a] supportive point of view, Iran also benefits from supportive associations dedicated to epilepsy awareness and patients’ advocacy. The Iranian Epilepsy Association plays a significant role in educating the public and offering resources to families dealing with epilepsy. They host awareness campaigns, workshops, and offer counselling services to families to help them and navigate the challenges of the condition.
06:25 Torie Robinson
There’s a global stigma as far as epilepsy as concerned, but I’m aware that in certain countries, this can be….more noticeable. How are things in Iran?
06:35 Reza Shervin-Badv
In many parts of the world, especially epilepsy - is often misunderstood, which can lead to a stigma. Historically, cultural beliefs have linked seizures to supernatural causes or moral failings, although these perceptions have improved over time with increased awareness of communities. However, some families may still experience social stigma that affects their willingness to seek medical help or disclose the condition, especially in more traditional or rural areas.
Children with epilepsy may face challenges in school where teachers or peers not fully understand the condition. This led to social isolation, bullying, or underestimating the child's potential and abilities. Parents may feel protective and limit their child's activities due to fear of recurring seizures, which can impact the child's development and independence.
That said, with the growing efforts in public education and advancements in medical care, families are increasingly assessing specialised treatment and support, and also, knowledge.
As a healthcare providers, our role involves not only offering medical treatment and management of epilepsy, but also addressing these cultural perceptions by educating families and communities to reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for children with epilepsy.
08:37 Torie Robinson
So, how are things moving forward with improvements in quality of care in Iran?
08:42 Reza Shervin-Badv
Today, growing public education efforts by healthcare organisations, supportive associations, and media have helped demystify the condition.
On the medical side, advancements in diagnostic technologies such as video EEG monitoring, epilepsy centres, and neuroimaging, along with the growth of specialised epilepsy kidney centres have improved the quality of care. There is also a shift toward a more multidisciplinary approach; involving neurologists, paediatric neurologists, adult neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, and social workers, nurses, and other parts of the team, which ensures more comprehensive support for children with epilepsy and their families. While challenges remain, we are moving forward a more informed and supportive environment.
09:59 Torie Robinson
Huge thank you to Reza for sharing information about his slick team, his value of international connections and collaborations, and how he is helping grind away at cultural misconceptions about the epilepsies to improve people’s quality of life in Iran.
Do check out Reza’s papers and more about his work on the website torierobinson.com (where you can also access the podcast, the video, and the transcription of this entire episode), and if you haven’t already, please don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to this channel, and share this episode with your friends/colleagues/family members - whoever it might be. See you next week!
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Reza Shervin-Badv is a paediatric epileptologist, neurologist, and associate professor, based at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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LinkedIn: reza-shervin-badv
X: BadvReza
Insta: badvrezashervin
Website (in Persian): drbadv.ir
Tehran University of Medical Sciences: en.tums.ac.ir/en
ResearchGate: Reza-Shervin-Badv
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ILAE Iran congress.iranepilepsy.org
Iranian Epilepsy Association iranepilepsy.org