The work of the Assessment Unit in the Epilepsy Centre, Quarriers Homes, Scotland is described. One hundred and thirty patients with severe epilepsy were admitted over a three year period for investigation of seizures and rationalisation of therapy. The degree of psychomotor impairment due to epilepsy itself, or to anti-epileptic drugs was estimated. Cognitive functioning and levels of ability with interpersonal relationships were measured and plans were drawn up for rehabilitation. A plea is made for NHS funding to support the provision of this service for people with epilepsy.
Department of Health & Social Security. People with Epilepsy. LondonHMSO, 1969 (Reid Report).
2.
Department of Health & Social Security, London HMSO. (Bennett Report 1980 & 1981).
3.
Report of the working group on services for people with epilepsy. A report to the Department of Health & Social Security, the Department of Education and Science and the Welsh Office HMSO London 1986.
4.
ElwesRDCJohnsonALShorvonSDReynoldsEH. The prognosis for seizure control in newly diagnosed epilepsy. New England Journal of Medicine1984; 311: 944–947.
5.
ReynoldsEHShorvonSD. Single dose or combination therapy for epilepsy. Drugs1981; 21: 374–382.
6.
ThompsonPJTrimbleMR. Anti-convulsant drugs and cognitive functions. Epilepsia1982; 23: 531–544.
7.
ShorvonSDReynoldsEH. Reduction in polypharmacy for epilepsy. British Medical Journal1979; ii: 1023–1025.
8.
FischbacherE. Effect of reduction of anti-convulsants on well being. British Medical Journal1982; 285: 423–424.
9.
LesserRPPippengerCELudersHDinnerDS. High-dose monotherapy in treatment of intractable seizures. Neurology1984; 34: 707–711.
10.
MacpheeGJABrodieMJ. Carbamazepine substitution in severe partial epilepsy: Implication of autoinduction of metabolism. Postgraduate Medical Journal1985; 61: 779–783.
11.
HowellSJLOwensLChadwickDW. Pseudostatus Epilepticus. Quarterly Journal of Medicine1989; 71: 266: 507–519.