[Statistical study on the medical management of patients with epilepsy in a district of Reggio Calabria].
The epilepsy service provided by 143 doctors in the district of Vibo Valentia (Calabria) which has a population of 180,000 was studied by a team of specially trained medical students. The answers to a questionnaire given in personal interviews were statistically processed and revealed: a) a 3-4% incidence of epilepsy corresponding closely to the national average (Almost all doctors questioned had epileptic patients). b) that only 3% of the doctors tested drug concentration in the blood, while 33% relied on regular EEG checks. c) that Depakin (valproic acid) was the drug most often used, followed by Metinal-Idontoine (phenytoin + barbiturate), Dintoine (phenytoin) and Gardenal (phenobarbital). Almost all doctors were in favour of refresher courses to improve the service to epileptic patients.
D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Indagine statistica sulla gestione medica di pazienti con epilessia in un Comprensorio della regione Calabria.