Discussion of the AED workshop.

Abstract

An overview is given of the different issues that have been discussed, with subsequent recommendation. Standardisation of measurement and reporting of eficacy parameter and side-effects is essential; not only the number of patients achieving complete seizure controlled or have a decrease in seizure frequency and severity should be mentioned but also the number who dropped out and the reasons therefore. More information is neede on the teratogeneticy of a drug, either by performing control trials or by registration of all pregnancies with new anti‐epileptic drugs. Appropriate bio‐marker for efficacy and toxicity should be developed. Health-related quality of life scales, collecting both subjective and objective information should be developed and used as complimentary tools in understanding more about the disease. A drug that improves the quality of life but is less effective in suppressing seizures should be marketed. Finally, pharmaco‐economic studies should be encuraged in the field of epilepsy.