Optimizing Management of Medically Responsive Epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article reviews the management of patients with medically responsive epilepsy, including discussion of factors that may lead to transient breakthrough seizures and patient and physician strategies to maintain freedom from seizures.

Recent findings: Imperfect adherence, unanticipated changes in ongoing medical therapy, inadvertent use of proconvulsants or concurrent medications that alter epilepsy medication kinetics, and a variety of seizure precipitants such as stress or sleep deprivation may alter long-term seizure control.

Summary: The majority of patients with epilepsy are medically responsive. Many potential factors may lead to breakthrough seizures in these patients. Identification of these factors, patient education, and use of self-management techniques including mindfulness therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy may play a role in protecting patients with epilepsy against breakthrough seizures.