Scale Analysis

The Seizure Severity Questionnaire (SSQ-11) was developed by Cramer and French in 2001. Traditionally, epileptic seizures in patients have been evaluated based on the frequency of events. This questionnaire includes items related to the frequency and usefulness of symptoms, as well as the frequency and severity of conditions before and after a seizure.

Purpose of the Scale

The questionnaire was developed to assess the severity of epileptic seizures as a therapeutic response in clinical trials, by characterizing changes in specific rare, severe, and disruptive features of seizures.

Question Scoring

Participants are asked to respond by reflecting on how they felt before, during, and after a seizure. The questionnaire consists of 11 main questions and 22 sub-items, using a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Not at all bothered) to 7 (Constantly/Greatly bothered).

Statistical Analysis

The scale produces a total score by summing the ratings for each question, with a possible range from 1 to 175. Higher scores indicate a greater level of symptoms, whether before, during, or after a seizure.

Validity and Reliability

The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.76. It also showed acceptable test-retest reliability with a value of 0.74. Construct validity showed statistically significant correlations with other scales.

References

Authors: J. A. Cramer and J. French (2001).