Case in Point: Evidence-Based Insights For Epilepsy Managemen

Epilepsy affects >2 million people in the United States, making it one of the most common neurobiological conditions. Typically, epilepsy is treated with one of several available antiepileptic drugs, and patients are able to experience freedom from seizures with minimal side effects. However, there are some patients who do not respond to treatment and require the use of multiple drug combinations or surgical intervention. Although there are few studies supporting its use, multidrug regimens have been known to be helpful for patients; however, clinicians should monitor patients for adverse side effects. Vagus nerve stimulation is the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved surgical neurostimulation therapy for epilepsy, and patients' conditions often progress for many years before epilepsy surgery options are considered. Lastly, due to the chronic nature of epilepsy, clinicians should be aware of the presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions as well. This supplement is Part Two in the "Case in Point: Evidence-Based Insights for Epilepsy Management" series. In this Expert Review Supplement, Andrew J. Cole, MD, FRCPC, outlines a case of a patient with epilepsy and comorbid depression, and Andres M. Kanner, MID, outlines current pharmacologic treatments available for epilepsy as well as treatment options for depression and their effect on the illness course in patients with epilepsy.