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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Seizure control in patients with epilepsy: the physician vs. medication factors

Authors: Jerzy P Szaflarski, Angela Y Rackley, Christopher J Lindsell, Magdalena Szaflarski, Stephen L Yates

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the relationship between types of healthcare providers and outcomes in patients with epilepsy. This study compares the relative effects of provider type (epileptologist vs. other neurologist) and pharmacologic treatment (newer vs. older antiepileptic drugs) on seizure control in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with medication-resistant epilepsy. Consecutive charts of 200 patients were abstracted using a standard case report form. For each patient, data included seizure frequency and medication use prior to, and while being treated by an epileptologist. Changes in seizure frequency were modeled using a generalized linear model.

Results

After transferring care from a general neurologist to specialized epilepsy center, patients experienced fewer seizures (p < 0.001) and were more frequently seizure-free (p < 0.001). The improved seizure control was not related to treatment with newer vs. older antiepileptic drugs (p = 0.305).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an association between subspecialty epilepsy care and improved seizure control in patients with medication-resistant epilepsy. Further research should prospectively determine whether patients with medication-resistant epilepsy would benefit from being routinely referred to an epilepsy specialist.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/8/264/prepub

Title: Seizure control in patients with epilepsy: the physician vs. medication factors
Authors: Jerzy P Szaflarski
Angela Y Rackley
Christopher J Lindsell
Magdalena Szaflarski
Stephen L Yates
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-8-264

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Seizure control in patients with epilepsy: the physician vs. medication factors

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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