Epilepsy Care

Survey suggests communication gap may exist between physicians and patients with epilepsy.

"Gaps in mutual understanding and agreement on treatment goals" may exist between physicians and patients with epilepsy.

The survey was "sponsored by" the American Epilepsy Society and "the Epilepsy Foundation, and supported by a grant from Pfizer." Investigators surveyed "402 patients with active epilepsy" via telephone in May. They "measured attitudes of people with epilepsy regarding their quality of life, and [focused] on concerns and challenges brought on by the condition."

Investigators found that "47 percent of the patients surveyed reported that their doctor discussed options with them, and the least likely subject to be discussed was surgery -- a treatment with considerable risks but with impressive benefits," said Bruce Hermann, Ph.D., chief of the Epilepsy Foundation's professional advisory board.

The survey also found that "26 percent of patients are not sure what their doctors consider as an improvement in status," while about 50 percent said that "physicians address social issues associated with the disease, such as the impact of epilepsy on quality of life."