Impact of Drug Manipulation on Seizure Freedom in Adults with Uncontrolled Epilepsy: A Prospective Controlled Study in Rural China

Abstract

Introduction: It has been suggested that uncontrolled epilepsy might not necessarily equate to drug resistance when antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used at relatively low doses, a practice frequently observed in rural areas of China. Objective: To assess the clinical benefits of further drug manipulation in this situation, we prospectively followed up the outcomes of patients with uncontrolled epilepsy while taking relatively low doses of AEDs. Methods: The study included patients aged 16 years and older with uncontrolled epilepsy and who were receiving at least one AED at a dosage below 50% of the World Health Organization (WHO) defined daily dose (DDD) (50% DDD) (Group 1). Patients with dru..