Is there a place for placebo controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs?. Issue 6505 (9th November 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shorvon, S D; Espir, M L; Steiner, T J; Dellaportas, C I; Rose, F C
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 291:Issue 6505(1985)
• Page Start: 1328
• Page End: 1329
• Publication Date: 1985-11-09
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.291.6505.1328
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : In many patients who develop epilepsy the disease is short lived and the overall number of seizures small. The role of anticonvulsant drugs in such patients is uncertain. If treatment is merely suppressive and the disease self limiting then treatment may not be necessary in some patients. If, on the other hand, early treatment prevents the subsequent evolution to chronic epilepsy then it is imperative. To resolve this issue it is essential to undertake placebo controlled trials, in which a group of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy is given active treatment and compared with a similar group given placebo alone.