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Management of epilepsy in the community.
Neligan, A Renganathan, R Sweeney, B J
Neligan, A
Renganathan, R
Sweeney, B J
Authors
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2012-02-03T15:05:36Z
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data
Community Health Services
Epilepsy/*therapy
*Family Practice
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Referral and Consultation
Community Health Services
Epilepsy/*therapy
*Family Practice
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Referral and Consultation
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Files
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Article4342.pdf
Adobe PDF, 10.41 KB
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
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.
Language
eng
Citation
ISSN
0332-3102 (Print)
0332-3102 (Linking)
0332-3102 (Linking)
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
PMID
16548222