Factors Influencing First Anti-Seizure Medication in Adults

Source: Seizure

Summary

This study looked at the first anti-seizure medications (ASMs) prescribed to adults who were newly diagnosed with epilepsy in New York between 2011 and 2019. Researchers wanted to find out how often doctors followed guidelines for prescribing these medications and what factors influenced their choices. They analyzed data from 2,340 adults who received an ASM within a year of their diagnosis, focusing on patient characteristics, the type of doctor prescribing the medication, and the setting where the prescription was made.

The findings showed that while the most common ASM prescribed was levetiracetam, which is recommended, nearly 39% of patients received medications that were not recommended. Factors that increased the likelihood of receiving a recommended ASM included being older, being Black, being in a relationship, and having a history of stroke. Interestingly, doctors in training were more likely to prescribe recommended medications compared to more experienced doctors, and prescriptions made in hospitals were less likely to follow guidelines than those made in outpatient settings.

These results highlight the importance of understanding how different factors affect medication choices for epilepsy. It suggests that training and education for doctors, especially those in training, can lead to better adherence to prescribing guidelines. However, the study also points out that there are still significant gaps in following these recommendations, particularly in certain settings, which could affect the quality of care for patients with epilepsy.

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