EVALUATION OF THE NOVEL STRATEGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INTRACTABLEEPSY

Abstract

Epilepsy is a common disorder; its prevalence is 7-9 cases/1000 population (Rogvi-Hansen et al., 1991). In most patients with epilepsy the prognosis for seizure control is very good. About 70-80% of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy can expect a one-year remission; later relapse is not common. Most remissions occur early (remission defined as freedom from seizures for 2-5 years). However about 20-25% of patients developed intractable epilepsy despite the advent of new anti-epileptic drugs and intensive monitoring (Shorvon, 1984; Brorson and Wranne, 1987; Johannessen et al., 1995; Naritoku et al., 1995).

Medically intractable epilepsy can be defined as seizures which have not been completely controlled with anti-epileptic drug therapy one year after onset despite accurate diagnosis and carefully monitored treatment (Leppik, 1992). Intractable epilepsy is a significant health problem around the world. Partial - onset seizures are the most common of epilepsy in adults (Juul-Jensen and Foldsprang, 1983; Naritoku et al., 1995).