Optimal Care for Patients with Epilepsy

This common and very important disorder of Epilepsy is led by Dr. Steven Schachter in this issue of Neurologic Clinics. The majority of articles review methods for application of standards, guidelines, and consensus statement to clinical practice by Primary Care physicians and general Neurologists using validated and evidence-based tools such as screening instruments and algorithms for a number of critically important topics, ranging from initial evaluation to monitoring patients on treatment to counseling and educating patients on SUDEP and driving. Topics in this issue include: Guidelines and quality standards for adult epilepsy patients; Guidelines and quality standards in care of children with epilepsy; Initial evaluation of the patient with suspected epilepsy; Starting, choosing, changing, and discontinuing treatment; Methods for measuring seizure frequency and severity; Assessment of treatment side effects and quality of life; Screening for depression and anxiety; Counseling patients on driving and employment; Issues for women with epilepsy; Patient education (SUDEP - Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy; Self-management; Adherence; Rescue medication); Optimizing the patient-physician therapeutic alliance.