Management of Patients With Unclassified Epileptic Seizures in Outpatient Clinics in Spain. Results of the RETO Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: The objective of this study was to determine the approach and management of specialists in patients with unclassified epileptic seizures in outpatient clinics in Spain. Methods: Observational, multicenter, and cross-sectional study. Ninety-three neurologists or neuropediatricians documented consecutive patients with a history of at least two difficult to classify or unclassified epileptic seizures. Patient demographics, quality of life (QOLIE-10-P), disease characteristics, and anticonvulsant treatment were captured. Physicians were asked about their therapeutic approach for the selection of an antiepileptic drug and underlying reasons. Results: A total of 725 patients were included. At the time of the survey, 81% were treated (69% with monotherapy). Most frequently given reasons for starting antiepileptic therapy were ([mean] on a scale of 1–5) efficacy, (3.9), safety (3.61), and broad-spectrum effectiveness (3.5). Reasons given for switching therapy (226/725) included need for broader s...