Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the mainstay of treatment for focal epilepsy, with the goal of treatment being seizure freedom with tolerable adverse effects. Despite advances in ASMs over the past 25 years, more than a third of patients with epilepsy do not receive satisfactory seizure control, and many patients experience adverse effects that interfere with overall health, mental health, and quality of life. In addition, patients with focal epilepsy remain at increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). New resources on this page will explore strategies for maintaining ASM efficacy and reducing side effects, ways to set realistic expectations for ASM treatment, and potential impact of ASMs on SUDEP and the need for surgery. These activities will help clinicians incorporate strategies to improve the likelihood of seizure freedom in people with focal seizures.
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