What are the unmet medical and social needs of people with epilepsy?

<em>Swiggs...&nbsp; Bravo and ditto...&nbsp; Everything you just said.&nbsp; I was diagnosed when I was 14.&nbsp; I am now 54.&nbsp; I have worked in the health care field for 27 years.&nbsp; I drive, live alone, own my own condo.&nbsp; I would like to add something regarding medication side-effects.</em> <em>Medications:&nbsp; Catch 22...&nbsp; I am on med cocktail now that has given me back my independence.&nbsp; I was over-medicated for 20 years and in 2004 ended up in the hospital.&nbsp; I have memory loss.&nbsp; 2004-2005 blank, gone, nada.&nbsp; I almost lost my eyesight because of one of the meds.&nbsp; I have a compromised immune system.&nbsp; (If I get the flu I could end up in the hospital again.)&nbsp; It was seriously considered that there had been so much brain damage (from the meds) that I would never work or live alone again.&nbsp; By sheer grit and determination and a lot of help from family, friends, co-workers I managed to keep my job and excel.&nbsp; (I've been promoted.&nbsp; That means more to me than I can express.)</em> <em>I don't recall any of my physicians telling me about the possible seriousness of side-effects.&nbsp; They were glossed over or added to a conversation as an 'oh by the way' comment.&nbsp;&nbsp; How can you make a decision with that kind of information? Physicians need to understand that side-effects are not just a chemical reaction.&nbsp; And people are not walking-talking petri dishes.&nbsp; And if you are over-medicated at the time of the discussion how about an advocate?&nbsp; Med side-effects change lives...&nbsp; for the better and for the worse.&nbsp; I have experienced both.&nbsp; I don't have an answer for the 'unmet need' of medication side-effects, but it must be addressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;PS:&nbsp; </em><em>The physician that has me on this med cocktail is wonderful, caring, attentive.&nbsp; The other was not.&nbsp; Thanks for speaking Swiggs</em><em>&nbsp;</em>