Position statement on the coverage of anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy.

• Unlike other diseases, a single breakthrough seizure due to change in delivered medication dose can have devastating consequences, including loss of driver's license, injury, and even death. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), representing over 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, has taken an active interest in the clinical, ethical, and policy considerations concerning the coverage of anticonvulsant drugs for people with epilepsy. The AAN has developed evidence-based guidelines which strongly support complete physician autonomy in determining the appropriate use of anticonvulsants for the patients with epilepsy. Based on this evidence, the AAN has adopted the following principles concerning coverage of anticonvulsants for adults and children with epilepsy.