Objective:

To examine how patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers define seizure control and approach treatment decisions. 

Background:

A survey, Hope, Hesitancy, and Hard Truths: A Patient and Provider Perspective on Epilepsy Treatment, was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of SK Life Science, Inc. 

Design/Methods:

The physician survey polled 150 U.S. neurologists, 150 epileptologists, and 150 advanced practice providers who treat patients with epilepsy. The patient survey polled 500 US patients with epilepsy under active treatment. Surveys were completed by email invitation and online survey between July 8-21, 2025.

Results:

(1) Seizure control: 63% of doctors believed that 75%-100% seizure reduction is a realistic goal for their patients, while 78% of patients believed being completely seizure-free is not achievable. Further, 72% of patients disclosed that they do not report all their seizures to their doctor, often due to concerns about their independence potentially being limited or not believing their seizures were “significant enough” to report. (2) Treatment discussions: nearly 90% of patients stated they had asked about switching medications for better seizure control, yet 88% of doctors reported hesitancy from patients or their families when suggesting new treatments. Additionally, 88% of physicians reported that they have discussed the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) with their patients, although only 63% of patients recall having such conversation. 

Conclusions:

This survey shows that important gaps exist between patients and providers in their perceptions, especially around the definition of seizure control and concerns about switching medications. The survey highlights the importance of open dialogue between patients and their healthcare providers to help reduce seizure frequency, address risks like SUDEP, and optimize safe and effective treatment decisions.