title: How doctors deal with epilepsy.
abstract: All of those adults with epilepsy on the lists of 17 general practitioners in Metropolitan London were identified. 87% of these agreed to be separately interviewed in their homes by a neurologist and a sociologist. The vast majority had been referred to hospital for investigation, and their hospital notes were inspected. The pattern of care suggests unnecessary referral, unnecessary electroencephalography, inadequate communication of the diagnosis, inadequate medication, and follow-up supervision not related to patient need.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008875:Middle Aged; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011324:Primidone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D011324:Primidone; D010672:Phenytoin; D003975:Diazepam; D010634:Phenobarbital