Medical therapy of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder that affects 1 - 3% of the population. The therapy of epilepsy is briefly reviewed in this article, focusing on new data on antiepileptic medications. In the last decade, several new antiepileptic medications, that is, lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide, levetiracetam and pregabalin, are available in the US for partial epilepsy. These medications have been reviewed with focus on their clinical use, side effects and limitations. There have been new data on antiepileptic medications and their teratogenic effects, effects on bone health and effects on female health. New developments in the therapy of epilepsy have provided different options to treat this chronic disease. This has provided greater choice for patients and their physicians.