Abstract
In order to clarify the current state of treatment of new-onset geriatric epilepsy in Japan, we conducted a questionnaire survey of Japan Epilepsy Society-certified physicians (clinical specialists). Questions regarded initial epilepsy treatment in elderly patients who either 1) had no preexisting conditions, or 2) were receiving medication for non-epileptic comorbidities. Data were aggregated based on the 2005 US Expert Consensus Guidelines. There were 74 responses. The results demonstrated that the drug of choice for both patient groups in Japan is carbamazepine. These findings differ from the US, where lamotrigine, levetiracetam (LEV), and gabapentin (GBP) are the recommended first-line treatments. However, the new antiepileptic agents LEV and GBP were also highly evaluated by many of the present respondents for use in elderly patients receiving medication for non-epileptic comorbidities, suggesting high expectations regarding the efficacy of these drugs.
