Treatment and follow-up of patients with epilepsy in two general practices

The continuing care of people with epilepsy in two general practices was investigated by means of case note review and interviews with patients. It was found that 98% (56 out of 57) of patients were receiving anticonvulsant drugs. Despite the prescription of drugs, however, only 64% (25 out of 39) of those patients interviewed were receiving regular follow-up and three of the patients receiving no surveillance had suffered recent fits. Many of the patients had experienced no fits for several years and it was considered that anticonvulsant therapy could have been stopped in some cases. It is recommended that a system be devised to ensure that all epileptic patients on anticonvulsants see their general practitioner at least yearly.