European survey of the level of satisfaction of patients and physicians in the management of epilepsy in general practice

Many people with epilepsy report treatment-emergent adverse effects (AEs) while on drug therapy despite optimized treatment. We explored the level of treatment satisfaction with current management among people with epilepsy and treating physicians from seven different European countries. There was discordance between patients and physicians: patients would like greater involvement in discussions regarding treatment options and, although generally satisfied with their current medication, saw the need for a more effective balance between seizure control and AEs. Conversely, physicians were less satisfied with current treatments, but were less concerned with AEs. People with epilepsy also wanted to be better educated about epilepsy and its management. Key challenges for the future include improvement in the self-management of epilepsy by patients and more proactive patient-physician interactions. An additional aim is to improve the public's perception of epilepsy so as to remove any associated stigma. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.