Epilepsy Education in Medical Schools: Report of the American Epilepsy Society Committee on Medical Student Education

Abstract

The education of medical students about epilepsy is often fragmentary and incomplete. Basic information regarding the classification of epileptic seizures, epilepsy syndromes, first aid for seizures, and practical use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may not be covered in medical school curricula. In this report we describe reasons why the study of epilepsy provides a relatively unique opportunity to integrate concepts related to basic neuroscience and clinical neurology. Furthermore, we present a curricular framework that may prove useful for the education of medical students about epilepsy.