Dysphagia in Epilepsy Patients: The Silent Enemy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects several individuals globally and can contribute to a reduced quality of life and partial medication adherence, especially in patients with epilepsy. There is also a lack of awareness and understanding of dysphagia among both health care providers and patients. This review examines the interplay between dysphagia and epilepsy treatment and the potential for optimizing diagnosis and intervention.

Recent findings: Dysphagia, although a prevalent condition, is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Managing dysphagia involves patient and caregiver education on medication management techniques, lifestyle changes, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary health care team. There are also several modalities to screen and evaluate for dysphagia by using technology, using questionnaires, and asking probing questions. In patients with epilepsy, dysphagia can make swallowing certain formulations of antiseizure medications (ASMs) difficult or impossible-so, there is a need for tailored management strategies if discontinuing the medication is not feasible. Alternative formulations such as soluble, liquid, granular, or powder alternatives have been recognized as valuable options in addressing partial adherence due to dysphagia.

Summary: Patients with dysphagia may have varying symptoms, making it challenging for clinicians to accurately identify the condition. To address this issue, various questionnaires and assessments have been developed to uncover swallowing difficulties. Administration of alternate ASM formulations must consider options available for each individual.