Managing the epileptic patient.
A review of hospital charts revealed that only 3 (7.5%) of 40 inpatients with a diagnosis of epilepsy had received counseling about the disorder, its treatment, and its social ramifications. Although it is often neglected--as indicated by this small sample--proper and continuing patient education may dispel some of the damaging misconceptions and fears about the disorder and help the epileptic patient lead a full and productive life. Physicians should point out the importance of acceptance of the diagnosis, record keeping by the patient, awareness of precipitating factors, associated socioeconomic problems, and follow-up, stressing the possibility of normal life.
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001290:Attitude; D002961:Civil Rights; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000191:economics; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D011379:Prognosis; D011996:Records; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies
D000927:Anticonvulsants