Seizure frequency and severity: How really important are they for the quality of life of patients with refractory epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: The data in the scientific literature about the significance of seizure severity and frequency for the quality of life (QOL) of patients with refractory epilepsy (RE) are contradictory. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the impact of the seizure severity and frequency on the QOL of Bulgarian patients with RE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients with RE were studied by examining the medical documentation and seizure diaries. All study participants completed quality of life epilepsy inventory (QOLIE-89). Seizure severity of only 59 patients who had a seizure in the last month was assessed by the Liverpool seizure severity scale. RESULTS: A limited negative impact of the seizure severity and frequency on some aspects of the physical health, epilepsy, all aspects of the social health and epilepsy and the overall QOL has been demonstrated. A weak to moderate reverse correlation between the specified factors and the respective QOLIE-89 subscales has been found. CONCLUSION: The clinical factors seizure severity and seizure frequency have a limited negative impact mostly on the social aspects of QOL. The study results support the multidisciplinary approach to persons with epilepsy.