Therapeutic intervention in mentally retarded adult epileptics

Clinical features of epilepsy, especially those connected with drug therapy, were evaluated for mentally retarded adult epileptics who were admitted to the neurological out-patient unit during 1977-83. These features were re-evaluated in 1985 and compared with findings from the first visit. During follow-up, the type and frequency of seizures were determined and if possible, medical therapy was either concluded or changed. The therapeutic intervention resulted in the use of fewer and less toxic drugs, for which the serum concentrations were more often within recommended ranges. These aspects may be due to the significant decrease in seizure frequency observed. In order to provide patients with the most efficacious therapy, the therapeutic needs of mentally retarded adult epileptics should be evaluated by a neurologist familiar with epilepsy.