Moving from pediatric to adult care of epilepsy: improving transitions
Watanabe, M.; Taniguchi, G.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 72(5): 952-956
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 24912300 Document Number: 672143
The common problems faced by adult patients with epilepsy are different from those facing pediatric patients. When adults with epilepsy work, marry, and give birth, they must deal with problems that they never experienced in childhood, such as gaining drivers licenses and accessing various medical and welfare services, in addition to the potential complications involved with their disease. Therefore, medical transitions from pediatric to adult care of epilepsy are crucial to ensuring that patients have a high quality of life. To solve the underlying problems that can block efficient transitions, we propose cooperation not only between pediatric neurologists and adult neurologists but between these practitioners and those from other disciplines, such as psychiatrists. We also argue that collaboration among relevant societies and national education programs is necessary.