Abstract
When managing epilepsy, there is a temptation to focus care with respect to the last
and the next seizure. However, epilepsy is a multifaceted chronic condition and should
be treated as such. Epilepsy comes with many physical risks, psychological effects,
and socioeconomic ramifications, demanding a long-term commitment from the treating
physician. Patients with epilepsy, compared to other chronically ill patient populations,
have a worse quality of life, family function, and less social support. The majority
of patients are well controlled on antiseizure drugs. However, approximately one-third
will continue to have seizures despite optimized medical management. The primary aim
of this article is to explore the long-term management of chronic epilepsy, and to
address some of the particular needs of patients with chronic epilepsy.
Keywords
epilepsy - medical management - breakthrough seizures - women with epilepsy - older
adults
