The outcome of epilepsy and its measurement.

Epilepsy outcome data should be concerned not only with seizure frequency, but should also assess present potential as a function of preexisting capabilities. Reported findings on outcome are not consistent, although view of epilepsy outcome since the 1970's is much more optimistic. The founding of an Institute of Epileptology can stimulate concerted action to provide the scientific community with improved information on measurement and analysis of the ways in which epilepsy changes the lives of the patient and those immediately involved.