title: [Danish clinical guidelines for epilepsy].
abstract: Danish clinical guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with epilepsy. Clinical problems are evaluated by conducting a systematic search for literature followed by critical reading and methodological assessment of the literature found. Recommendations are made based on the evidence. Some of the important recommendations are as follows: A detailed history taken from the individual and an eyewitness is the most important tool in the diagnosis of epilepsy. EEG should be performed to aid diagnosis and classification of suspected epilepsy. MRI should be used to identify structural abnormalities in focal epilepsy unless there is clear evidence of benign focal epilepsy. The choice of antiepileptic drug depends on the type of epilepsy and the tolerability profile of the drug. Newer antiepileptic drugs are in general better tolerated than older drugs, but not more effective. In the case of diagnostic uncertainty or uncontrolled seizures, the patient should be referred to a more specialised department in a timely manner. The specialist service should include a multidisciplinary team. Epilepsy surgery should be considered early in patients with refractory focal epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Amtssygehuset i Glostrup, Epilepsiklinikken, Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, Neurologisk, Glostrup. anns@glostruphosp.kbhamt.dk
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabers
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Lisbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Høeg-Jensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D003718:Denmark; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants