[Goals of epilepsy treatment--a multidimensional model. The description of goals as a basis for efficiency...

Review of relevant literature suggests at least seven distinct goals of epilepsy treatment to exist: to reduce seizure frequency and severity, to improve function, to enhance quality of life, to promote coping, to improve external circumstances, to prevent premature death, and (in children) to promote growth and development. However, these goals are subject to certain qualifications. For example, seizure frequency and severity is not to be reduced under all conditions, but only when such reduction can be expected to have beneficial effects on quality of life or on life expectancy (the two ultimate goals). The different qualifications suggest that the proposed goals can not, and should not be considered in isolation, but incorporated in a multidimensional model.