Seizure Control in Epilepsy: Comparing Doctors and Medications
Author Information
Author(s): Jerzy P. Szaflarski, Angela Y. Rackley, Christopher J. Lindsell, Magdalena Szaflarski, Stephen L. Yates
Primary Institution: University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center
Hypothesis
Patients managed by non-epileptologists would have poorer seizure control than when they were subsequently managed by epileptologists, and this difference would depend on the type of physician and not on the choice of AED.
Conclusion
Patients with medication-resistant epilepsy may benefit from evaluation and treatment by an epileptologist, leading to reduced seizure frequency.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients experienced fewer seizures after transferring care to an epileptologist.
- The improved seizure control was not related to the type of antiepileptic drugs used.
- More patients achieved seizure freedom while treated by epileptologists compared to other neurologists.
Takeaway
This study found that seeing a specialist for epilepsy can help patients have fewer seizures, even if the medications they take are the same.
Methodology
A retrospective study analyzing patient charts to compare seizure frequency before and after treatment by an epileptologist versus other neurologists.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in patient selection and reporting of seizure frequency.
Limitations
The retrospective design may introduce biases, including patient selection and incorrect clinical data ascertainment.
Participant Demographics
{"median_age":43,"female_percentage":54.5,"black_percentage":14,"median_age_at_onset":10,"median_duration_of_epilepsy":30.5}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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