Intractable epilepsy: A survey of patients and caregivers

The social and health consequences associated with epilepsy are often magnified among patients with refractory epilepsy. Despite recent advances in the treatment of seizure disorders, many people with epilepsy continue to suffer from uncontrolled seizures and adverse side effects from medical therapy. This survey is the first to focus solely on the experiences, attitudes, and quality of life of a refractory epilepsy population, both those with the condition and their caregivers. To participate in this survey, respondents had to currently be experiencing seizures or troubling treatment side effects and had to have tried at least two different epilepsy medications. These survey data represent three groups of participants (n = 903): those with epilepsy who self-reported on their condition (Group 1, n = 503), the caregivers of those with refractory epilepsy (Group 2, n = 200), and those with epilepsy who had their condition reported on by a caregiver (Group 3, n = 200). This survey revealed that the negative consequences associated with epilepsy tend to be greater among those experiencing treatment side effects and a greater number of seizures. Physicians must take into account medication side effects and quality-of-life issues when treating patients with epilepsy.