Discussion of the AED workshop

An overview is given of the different issues that have been discussed, with subsequent recommendation. Standardisation of measurement and reporting of efficacy parameter and side-effects is essential; not only the number of patients achieving complete seizure controlled or have a decrease in seizure frequency and severity should be mentioned but also the number who dropped out and the reasons therefore. More information is needed on the teratogeneticy of a drug, either by performing control trials or by registration of all pregnancies with new anti-epileptic drugs. Appropriate bio-marker for efficacy and toxicity should be developed. Health-related quality of life scales, collecting both subjective and objective information should be developed and used as complimentary tools in understanding more about the disease. A drug that improves the quality of life but is less effective in suppressing seizures should be marketed. Finally, pharmaco-economic studies should be encouraged in the field of epilepsy.