Optimizing Epilepsy Management in Teenagers

Optimal epilepsy management in teenage patients represents a particular challenge. These patients are often likely to respond more positively to a regimen that least disrupts their activities. In addition, as a patient group, they are more sensitive to peer perception. Current perceptions of older antiepilepsy drugs do not take into account frequent undesirable side effects or potential adverse interactions with other drugs. Furthermore, they often do not completely control seizures. Recent data suggest that not only do the newer antiepileptic drugs appear to be as efficacious as the older drugs, they also often have more favorable cognitive, cosmetic, and teratogenic side-effect profiles. In addition, newer antiepileptic drugs are being used more often in monotherapy. Successful management of epilepsy in teenagers requires that physicians not only understand the advantages that the newer antiepileptic drugs appear to provide but also consider the social impact of treatment on their patients.