Treatment of epilepsy in adults. Options and strategies

Currently, epilepsy can be treated with antiepileptic drugs and, in patients with focal and/or secondarily generalized seizures (focal epilepsy), by means of surgery and vagus nerve stimulation. In the choice of monotherapy possible negative drug related effects on cognitive, endocrine, and psychic symptoms must be considered. Newly developed antiepileptic drugs help to establish an individualized strategy, especially in antiepileptic drug monotherapy. Additionally these antiepileptic drugs have proven to be effective and well tolerated when combined with other antiepileptic drugs. Surgery of focal epilepsy offers the chance of complete cure. Vagus nerve stimulation is a nonmedical treatment option used in addition to antiepileptic drugs in patients with focal epilepsy. Tolerability and safety data should be considered to establish a long-term medical treatment tolerated and accepted by the patient.