Assessment of Treatment Side Effects and Quality of Life in People with Epilepsy

Neurol Clin. 2016 May;34(2):395-410, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2015.11.002. Epub 2016 Mar 5.

Abstract

Epilepsy impairs quality of life in physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and occupational domains. In people who are not seizure free, depression and adverse medication effects have a predominant role in determining quality of life. The assessment of these factors and other comorbidities is essential for maximizing quality of life in epilepsy. There are multiple tools available to assess medication effects and quality of life in a structured format. Such tools can provide superior assessments and allow clinicians to have a greater impact on their patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Adverse medication effects; Depression; Epilepsy; Quality of life; Structured assessment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life / psychology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants