Quality of life for people with epilepsy.

The diversity and impact of problems related to epilepsy require each patient to develop a concept of what issues are most important, and seek to address these issues as a personal priority. Domains to be considered include physical, psychological, social, and epilepsy-specific issues. Level of independence is also an important concern. Quality of life instrument scores are a new measure of overall patient function. Use of well constructed, validated instruments specific for disease or general function will enhance the ability of health care providers to understand changes in patients that are not readily discernible without an extensive interview.