Quality-of-life trajectories in epilepsy: a review of the literature

Abstract

The potential psychosocial sequelae of epilepsy are well-documented, but it cannot be assumed that trajectories for quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy will inevitably follow its clinical course. In this article, we draw on available literature to suggest likely QOL trajectories associated with epilepsy and the broad range of disease-, patient-, and other-focused factors that appear important in determining them. We conclude that both the likely shape and time frame for QOL trajectories associated with particular clinical scenarios can be delineated, but that their shape can be altered by a much wider range of factors than those represented as epilepsy disease progression. We identify contributory factors currently relatively unexplored and highlight implications for treatment and areas for future research.