Evaluation of the first 18 months of a specific rehabilitation programme for those with epilepsy

This survey examined the outcome of the first 18 months of the specialized rehabilitation programme at Mt Wilga Rehabilitation Centre, which was designed to cater for the needs of those with epilepsy. Almost 60% of those who underwent the programme were employed at the time of the study, 65% had improved quality of life, approximately 45% acknowledged enhanced self-esteem, and about 45% had an improved control of epilepsy despite the fact that only 30% had their drug therapy altered and of these more than half had either the same or worse control of their seizures. The findings revealed that those patients who were admitted into the residential accommodation, rather than being provided with transport to allow daily attendance while living in their own homes, achieved greater benefit from the rehabilitative programme.