Refractory epilepsy

Abstract

Refractory Epilepsy (R.E.) is a condition where all antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) fail to provide adequate seizure control. To diagnose R.E., false cases of refractoriness need to be carefully excluded. There are several predictors of refractoriness. The treatment options in R.E. are resective surgery, ketogenic diet and vagal nerve stimulation. The roles of newer AEDs are also promising. The future therapeutic possibilities include deep brain stimulation, AED containing polymers, stem cells and gene therapy.