Discontinuation of anti-seizure therapy in epilepsy patients
https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.227
Abstract
Currently, among one of the most important issues in epileptology is discontinuation of anti-seizure therapy in patients with epilepsy. The article presents contemporary approaches to solving the problem of discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with epilepsy based on assessing Russian and foreign publications, as well as our clinical experience. A comprehensive analysis of high-priority medical sources on AED discontinuation was carried out, including recommendations proposed by the Italian League Against Epilepsy (2013), practical recommendations for adults and children released by the American Academy of Neurology (2021) currently referenced on the official International League Against Epilepsy website, as well as recommendations of the Russian League Against Epilepsy (2022). A fundamentally crucial point in all the recommendations presented above is the lack of strict time frames, and that all provisions can be discussed with a patient and patient’s relatives. It is emphasized that a high quality of life of a patient with epilepsy is achieved only in the absence of epileptic seizures. In this regard, it seems extremely important to apply an individual approach to AED discontinuation, depending on preferences specified by a patient and patient’ family. All aspects related to AED discontinuation should be discussed by neurologists (epileptologists) in collaboration with lawyers, patient family members and various community representatives, not forgetting about the medical-social, medical-legal and ethical issues that arise upon AED discontinuation as well as decision-making on removing the diagnosis of epilepsy.
About the Authors
O. A. Milovanova
Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education ; Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga A. Milovanova, Dr. Sci. Med., Prof.
2/1 bldg 1 Barrikadnaya Str., Moscow 125993
28 Geroev Panfilovtsev Str., Moscow 125373
M. B. Mironov
Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital ; Center for Neurology and Pediatrics
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mikhail B. Mironov, PhD, MBA
28 Geroev Panfilovtsev Str., Moscow 125373
23 corp. 3 Novopeschanaya Str., Moscow 125252
E. A. Sandu
University Clinical Hospital No. 5, Sechenov University ; Istok Clinic LLC
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena A. Sandu, PhD, MBA
Vvedenskoye Settl., Zvenigorod, Odintsovo 143069
10 Komarov Str., Zvenigorod, Odintsovo 143189
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Review
For citations:
Milovanova O.A., Mironov M.B., Sandu E.A. Discontinuation of anti-seizure therapy in epilepsy patients. Epilepsy and paroxysmal conditions. 2025;17(1):94-100. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.227
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