Consensus Guideline on the Management of Epilepsy in Egypt: A National Delphi Consensus Study

Abstract In epilepsy, early diagnosis, accurate determination of epilepsy type, proper selection of anti-seizure treatment, and monitoring; all are essential. However, despite recent therapeutic advances and conceptual reconsiderations in the classification and management of epilepsy, serious gaps are still encountered in day-to-day practice in Egypt as well as several other limited resources countries. Premature mortality, poor quality of life, disabilities, diminished family function, cognitive problems, poor treatment outcomes, comorbidities, and significant economic burden are major challenges that impose urgent actions to be implemented at all levels. In recognition of this, a group of Egyptian epilepsy experts met through a series of consecutive meetings to specify main concepts and questions concerning the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of Epilepsy, with an ultimate goal of establishing a nationwide Egyptian consensus to guide health care professionals in the management of patients with epilepsy in general and to declare a pragmatic pathway for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The consensus was developed through a modified Delphi methodology. A thorough review of the most recent relevant literature and international guidelines was performed to evaluate their applicability to the Egyptian situation. Afterward, several remote and live rounds were scheduled to reach a final agreement for all listed statements. With the implementation of these unified recommendations, we believe this will bring about substantial improvements in both the quality of care and treatment outcomes for persons with epilepsy in Egypt.