Research Article
Perspectives on Epilepsy Management among Indian Clinicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Manjula S* and Krishna Kumar M
Department of Medical Services, Micro Labs Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding author:Manjula S, Department of Medical Services, Micro Labs Limited, 31 Race Course Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Email Id:drmanjulas@gmail.com
Article Information:Submission: 02/01/2024; Accepted: 27/01/2024; Published: 30/01/2024
Copyright: © 2024 Manjula S, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background: While a majority of patients with epilepsy are able to maintain seizure control with one to two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), many individuals require adjunctive therapy to achieve long-term remission. Hence, the implications of seizure differ according to the clinicians’ awareness about the patient’s
condition, knowledge about drugs and perspective about epilepsy treatment modalities. The current study aims in assessing the perspective of clinicians in management of epilepsy in India.
Methodology:A questionnaire-based cross sectional study was carried out among doctors in the major Indian cities. The study questionnaire included questions on prevalence, diagnosis, co- morbidities, lifestyle, patient’s awareness, compliance, and pharmacotherapy. A total of 93 doctors from major cities of all Indian states representing the geographical distribution shared their willingness to participate and provide necessary data.
Results:About 84 questionnaire booklets were distributed and 82 clinicians completed questionnaires and were collected personally by the study coordinators through the duration of 4 weeks. The responses reflected on the prevalence pattern of epilepsy in rural and urban India, the pattern of occurrences of generalized and partial seizures. The prescription pattern with levetiracetam and brivaracetam were unveiled as well.
Conclusion: Brivaracetam has emerged as a preferred choice, especially for newly diagnosed patients and those who do not respond adequately to levetiracetam. Its perceived advantages, including minimal adverse effects and improved efficacy, make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of antiepileptic drugs.
Methodology:A questionnaire-based cross sectional study was carried out among doctors in the major Indian cities. The study questionnaire included questions on prevalence, diagnosis, co- morbidities, lifestyle, patient’s awareness, compliance, and pharmacotherapy. A total of 93 doctors from major cities of all Indian states representing the geographical distribution shared their willingness to participate and provide necessary data.
Results:About 84 questionnaire booklets were distributed and 82 clinicians completed questionnaires and were collected personally by the study coordinators through the duration of 4 weeks. The responses reflected on the prevalence pattern of epilepsy in rural and urban India, the pattern of occurrences of generalized and partial seizures. The prescription pattern with levetiracetam and brivaracetam were unveiled as well.
Conclusion: Brivaracetam has emerged as a preferred choice, especially for newly diagnosed patients and those who do not respond adequately to levetiracetam. Its perceived advantages, including minimal adverse effects and improved efficacy, make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of antiepileptic drugs.
Keywords:Epilepsy; Seizure; Pharmacotherapy; Brivaracetam; Levetiracetam