What are the Unmet Medical Needs for People with Epilepsy?

I was recently handed this quarter's copy of "The Brain Wave". On page 5 it has quotes from some of North America's top epileptologists. Here are their thoughts in response to the question: "What are the most important unmet medical needs for people with epilepsy?".

"Decreasing stigma and creating environments that optimize learning and employment ..."

"... a drug, device or procedure that will stop seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy. We have many new drugs available, with many favorable properties, yet no real advance in the number of people who become seizure free. Improvement in seizures is good, but seizure freedom is always our goal."

"The hidden toll of epilepsy - identifying the side effects of medication."

"... comprehensive care and evaluation for the child with epilepsy and other neurological or school difficulties ... Taking care of the child with seizures who also has ADHD, or migraine, or learning difficulties, or mood disorder, or a sleep disorder requires appropriate assessment which can be challenging in the office setting with short time for patient visits. Individualizing the treatment for the epilepsy and these other diagnoses is critical for the success of treatment."


Let's get interactive! What do you think are the most important unmet medical needs for people with epilepsy? What about non-medical needs?

I think the neurologists cover the "medical needs" really well. In terms of non-medical needs - I would say that epilepsy education is an area that needs significant attention. At the very least, it has to be taught in-depth to teachers, and emergency personnel (e.g. police, EMTs, firefighters, first responders, etc.). They should all be able to recognize the main seizure types and they should all know seizure first aid. I would go a step further and introduce epilepsy education to the grade-school curriculum. It would ensure a solid base of knowledge and could go a long way towards decreasing the stigma associated with epilepsy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below.

Kirk.

Reference: "The Brain Wave", Volume 28, 1st Quarter, January 2008.