About refractory epilepsy
Refractory epilepsy is epilepsy that is uncontrolled (ie, seizures have not decreased or resolved) despite appropriate medical treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In a prospective study of 525 patients, ages 9 to 93, Kwan and Brodie investigated how patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy responded to AEDs. More than 30% of patients continue to have seizures in spite of multiple trials with pharmacologic therapy. Seizures may persist in frequency, severity, or duration, or in all 3 aspects. Refractory epilepsy also refers to epilepsy that cannot be treated adequately with AEDs because of intolerable side effects or adverse events.