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Alternative medicine use by patients with epilepsy
C T Peebles1, J W McAuley1, J Roach1
1College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|March 1, 2003
Summary
A significant number of epilepsy patients use alternative medicine (AM). However, most do not inform their neurologists, posing potential safety risks with combined therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Epilepsy management often involves conventional treatments.
- Patients may explore complementary therapies for symptom management or overall well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and patterns of alternative medicine (AM) use in epilepsy patients.
- To assess the rate at which epilepsy patients disclose AM use to their neurologists.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to patients at a tertiary care epilepsy clinic.
- The survey collected data on the types of AM used and disclosure to healthcare providers.
Main Results:
- 24% of surveyed epilepsy patients reported using AM.
- Massage and herbal supplements were the most common forms of AM used.
- Only 31% of AM users informed their neurologist about their complementary therapy use.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of epilepsy patients utilize AM.
- Healthcare providers should inquire about and monitor all therapies, including AM, for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
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