THE BURDEN OF EPILEPSY AND IMPACT OF ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICATIONS ON COGNITION AND PSYCHOMOTOR FUNCTIONING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: Adverse effects associated with the use of antiepileptic agents are one of the leading cause of treatment failure in people with epilepsy. Potential of antiepileptic agents to adversely impact cognition and behavior is of serious concern as these are major therapeutic modalities for seizure control. The literature review aims to identify and review the burden of disease, barriers to effective management, medication trends of epilepsy and impact of anti-epileptic drugs on cognition and psychomotor functioning worldwide. Material and Methodology: A total of 55 studies were retrieved from databases related to epilepsy and psychomotor function. The studies were categorized on the basis of their country of publishing into developed countries, developing countries, and Pakistan. Results: The results of the review concluded that there is a need to monitor cognitive impairment in epilepsy patients on anti-epileptic therapy. Patients using older anti-epileptics such as benzodiazepines and carbamazepine reported higher cognition deficits whereas those using newer agents such as levetiracetam therapy appeared to have better cognition. Conclusion: There is a need to initiate educational campaigns and training of health professionals and volunteers about epilepsy, its management and early detection of cognitive disabilities among patients on antiepileptic drug therapy.