[Results of monotherapy in mild and drug-resistant forms of epilepsy]

Monotherapy with one drug chosen out of basic anti-epileptic agents was carried out in 312 patients, including 2/3 of cases resistant to the drugs. Group A consisted of 110 patients treated with a single drug since the onset of the disease whereas group B consisted of 202 patients in whom polytherapy was reduced to monotherapy. The best results were achieved in patients of group A with short and medium duration of the disease. The results noted in patients of group B were worse and independent of the duration of epilepsy. The most favourable effects were noted in children with mild epilepsy and generalized epilepsy of unknown post-traumatic etiology. The results of monotherapy in focal seizures and epilepsy with organic lesions were markedly worse. The most effective drugs in this population were: barbiturates, valproic acid derivatives, and carbamazepine. The authors stress that all forms of epilepsy, especially newly diagnosed and previously untreated cases, should be treated with single agent.