Neurológia pre prax 3/2010

Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in patients with inactive epilepsy

Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in patients who have been seizure-free in the long term is a specific issue for which there are no obligatory guidelines. Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs after years of inactive disease should not be the physician's decision only; rather it should be the result of a mutual decision-making process between physician and patient. The recurrence of seizures may have serious personal, social and professional consequences for the patient. The paper presents the results of major studies and meta-analyses published in this area.

Keywords: antiepileptic drugs, discontinuation, disease inactivity, risk factors.