2020 Volume 37 Issue 3 Pages 779-787
There are few epilepsy specialists in Akita, and non-specialists manage and treat most of the epilepsy patients. This study surveyed the actual state of the management and treatment for epilepsy in Akita. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 97 medical doctors in four different departments at 35 institutions. The questionnaire contained 24 items regarding the number of patients, type of the tests and treatments conducted, and issues regarding the management and treatment for epilepsy. Completed surveys were obtained from 47 medical doctors. Symptomatic localization-related epilepsy was common. Cerebrovascular disease was the most frequent cause. Evaluation of electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging performed in more than 90% of patients contributed to diagnosis of epilepsy. Seizures were well controlled by antiepileptic drugs in 90% of patients. Levetiracetam was selected most often for localization-related epilepsy, followed by carbamazepine and lamotrigine. Valproic acid was selected most often for generalized epilepsy, followed by levetiracetam and lamotrigine. Issues in the management and treatment for epilepsy included difficulties in the interpretation of electroencephalography and the lack of local epilepsy specialists.
