Management of epilepsy in the community.
We posted a questionnaire on epilepsy to all 375 GPs in Cork and Kerry (population 500,000) The questionnaire consisted of 10 sections, covering areas like GP demographics, initial referral practice following a first seizure, advice given to patients and GP's attitudes towards patients with epilepsy. The main focus of the study was GP awareness of 7 of the newer anti-epileptics and their side effects. There was a response rate of 46.7% (175) and revealed that the majority (87%) initially refer patients to a neurologist for further assessment. The majority of GPs gave patients advice about driving, AED side effects, interaction with the OCP and pregnancy counselling. GP awareness of the newer anti-epileptics is very variable with Gabapentin and Lamotrigine having the highest GP awareness rates. Almost 25% of GPs would initiate treatment following a first time seizure although only 30% would change therapy initiated by a consultant neurologist. Finally the majority of GPs were unhappy with the level of access to neurologists and 95% of GPs felt that the provision of an Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist would help alleviate the problem.
Department of Neuroscience, Cork University Hospital, Cork. aidan60@yahoo.com
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Neligan
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Renganathan
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BJ
Sweeney
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003153:Community Health Services; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation