Risk of Recurrence After Anti-Seizure Medication Discontinuation

Abstract

With appropriate anti-seizure medication, long-term seizure freedom can be achieved in about 2/3 of patients with epilepsy. After long-term seizure freedom, the idea of medication discontinuation arises for both patients and physicians. In this study, we aimed to investigate seizure recurrence rates and the factors affecting recurrence in patients whose anti-seizure medication treatment was discontinued. Fifty patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight (56%) patients were female, with a mean age of 41.28±14.58 years and a mean duration of epilepsy of 15.20±9.90 years. Recurrence was observed in 14 (28%) patients. When the recurrence risk factors were analyzed, it was observed that the risk of recurrence decreased as the seizure-free period increased. Our study supports that the risk of relapse after discontinuation of anti-seizure medications decreases as the seizure-free period is prolonged. However, it should not be forgotten that the decision to discontinue medication should be individualized.