A guideline for discontinuing antiepileptic drugs in seizure-free patients.

The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) develops practice parameters for neurologists pertaining to diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and clinical disorders. The selection of topics is based on prevalence or frequency of use; potential for improving health outcomes; and reducing variations in practice patterns, economic impact, and adequacy of scientific evidence. Whether and when to withdraw antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a common problem in the management of patients with epilepsy. This decision is often made in the absence of data. The following guideline is intended to help physicians in their decisions to withdraw AEDs.