Initial Management of Epilepsy

The diagnosis and management of patient with epilepsy is often undertaken by general practitioner, pediatrician, internist and geriatrician. Referral to a neurologist may be necessary if the diagnosis of epilepsy is unclear or if the patient does not respond to initial therapy with antiepileptic drugs. General practitioners may subsequently follow up the patients in order to implement the recommendations of the neurologist. To maximize the likelihood of treatment success, general practitioners should supplement anti epileptic therapy (AED) with patient education and referral for psychosocial and vocational support when needed.4