Past, current status and future of epilepsy reserch and epilepsy medical care in Japan

Abstract

Desirable system of epilepsy research and epilepsy medical care in Japan are discussed with reference to past changes in the field of epilepsy. The concept of epilepsy has changed from primarily that of a psychiatric illness to a brain disease following the advancement of epilepsy research and treatment. Researchers concerned with epilepsy have expanded from originally just Psychiatrists to now include Pediatricians. Neurosurgeons, and basic scientists. Based on these changes surrounding the situation of epilepsy, the following has been proposed for the future development of epilepsy science and medical care in Japan : 1. An epilepsy clinic should be created as a special department which is separate from Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and other existing Departments within the hospital and the medical school. 2. New Board certification systems should be established under the Japan Epilepsy Society for making "Primary Epilepsy Specialist" (certified epileptologist, in Fig. 4) and "Highly Qualified Epilepsy Specialist" (Epilepsy Specialist). 3. Co-operation with the Japan Epilepsy Society and the Japanese Epilepsy Association should be promoted for facilitation of epilepsy medical care.