The impact of seizures and adverse effects on global health ratings

This study was undertaken to explore the perceived impact of having a seizure (SZ) compared with having an adverse effect (AE). Patients (N = 201) with partial-onset epilepsy taking two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) rated their health state from 0 to100 based on their health today, hypothetical health if experiencing a SZ today, and hypothetical health if experiencing an AE today. Overall health status ratings (HLTH) declined as SZ frequency increased (P = 0.01). Perceived decrements in HLTH with SZs were greatest for patients with the least frequent SZs (P = 0.001) and the most recent SZs (P = 0.004). Perceived decrements in HLTH with SZs compared with AEs (SZ–AE) differed across SZ recency groups (P < 0.05 except for muscle incoordination and weakness). Patients with the more remote SZs were most concerned with SZ control; patients with more recent SZs were more sensitive to AED side effects. These data provide insight into the risk–benefit concerns of patients at equipoise when addressing the efficacy and AEs of AEDs.