title: Why does epilepsy become intractable? Prevention of chronic epilepsy.
abstract: Community-based and our own hospital-based studies suggest that the prognosis for seizure control is very good in most patients with epilepsy. However, chronic epilepsy develops in about 25%. The pattern of chronicity is established early in the course of treatment. Factors associated with a high risk of chronicity include additional neurological, psychological, and social handicaps and also partial seizures. In addition a process of evolution of chronic epilepsy may occur by a mechanism proposed by Gowers a century ago. Chronic epilepsy is very difficult to control and may best be prevented by more effective treatment at the onset of the disorder.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants