EAN 2022 | Discontinuation of anti-seizure medication in seizure-free epilepsy patients

Bernhard Steinhoff, MD, PhD, Kork Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany, comments on the difficult topic of discontinuing anti-seizure medication in seizure-free epilepsy patients. This is a not an easy decision to make, even though there are evidence-based papers that give some figures and guidance. There are several factors to consider before discontinuation: 1) it must always be the patient’s will and 2) all burdens of seizure relapse must be discussed with the patients beforehand. Prof. Steinhoff says he is usually reluctant to discontinue anti-seizure medication in seizure-free patients because the chances of achieving seizure freedom again after relapsing is only 80%, a substantial risk. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2022 Congress in Vienna, Austria.