What Can Be Done to Improve the Lives of People With Epilepsy?
In 2003, the second National Conference on Public Health and Epilepsy, Living Well With Epilepsy II, brought together experts in the field, as well as people with epilepsy and their families. Participants discussed the need for early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy; advances in epidemiology and surveillance; better self-management; and improved quality of life. Conference participants also called for • Better access to specialty care and comprehensive systems of care, as well as improved early detection and treatment. • Established criteria to determine quality of care in epilepsy • Better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the consequences of epilepsy, especially in the areas of mental health and cognition. • Methods and systems to monitor trends related to critical issues, such as disease burden, mortality risks, and incidence and prevalence in diverse populations. • Public education to improve people’s ability to recognize seizures and give first aid.
