Current Evidence-Based Paradigms for Diagnosis and Treatment

Although epilepsy has a prevalence of 5 to 7 per 1000 persons in the United States, it continues to be a poorly understood condition. Given the number of patients in the United States with epilepsy, it is very likely that primary care physicians will continue to provide care for these patients. This article refreshes some of the knowledge around the diagnosis of epilepsy, discusses special populations that may require additional management considerations, highlights the association of epilepsy with multiple comorbidities, and discusses antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment, including issues surrounding adherence and safety of AED therapy.