Refractory epilepsy in adults and the new antiepileptic drugs: the role of gabapentin La epilepsia refractaria del adulto y los antiepilépticos noveles: el rol de la gabapentina.

Abstract

The features of refractory epilepsies and the role of functional surgery and new antiepileptic drugs is reviewed. Among the latter, gabapentin, a drug with peculiar pharmacokinetic properties, is highlighted as a therapeutic alternative in refractory epilepsies and eventually for epileptic patients without previous treatment. A new type of relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and physicians, that privileges clinical research, is discussed.