Rationalisation of therapy in severe epilepsy.

Anticonvulsant therapy in 18 institutionalised adult epileptic persons was rationalised. The mean number of drugs administered was reduced from 3.2 to 2.0 per patient with improvement of seizure control in 11 patients and either no alteration or a mild deterioration of seizure control in seven patients. In this latter group however, there was an improvement in cerebellar signs and/or mentation associated with the reduction in drug therapy. It is proposed that even in patients with apparently severe epilepsy, whilst monotherapy may not be achieved, a significant reduction in the number of medications administered may be. Moreover medication can be effectively administered twice daily.