Epilepsy: A review of reports, guidelines, recommendations and models for the provision of care for patients with epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is common and has a variety of causes and associated pathologies. Increased understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the epilepsies and advances in classification, diagnostic imaging and drug treatments have led to a reduction in stigma and growing demand for services to be improved for patients. A number of important reports and guidelines have emerged in the UK in recent years, which are summarised here. Diagnosis, classification, management and models of care are discussed as well as the management of drug intractable seizures, status epilepticus, and approaches to special patient groups: women in the fertile years, the elderly and those with learning difficulties. © Royal College of Physicians, 2008. All rights reserved.