[Treatment of adult patients with epilepsy in the children's hospital].

During one year from November 2002 to October 2003, 810 patients with epilepsy were examined in Shiga Medical Center for Children, and 186 patients (23%) were over 18 years old. Among them, 162 adult patients (male; 52%, female; 48%) were regularly examined at the outpatient-clinic. Seizures persisted in 56% of these adult patients. Over 80% of the patients were classified as symptomatic epilepsy. Seventy-eight percent of the cases were combined with physical or mental disability. Six percent of the patients had psychological disorders and 11% of the patients had internal diseases. Fifteen percent of the patients had jobs, 4% were married, and 8% had driver's licenses. Seventy percent of the patients were not independent because of their handicap. In our children's hospital, adult patients with epilepsy are increasing, and a countermeasure is necessary. It is important to join networks between regional adult hospitals and clinics. On the other hand, pediatric neurologists must study psychological and internal diseases, management of women with epilepsy, and employment and driving in patients with epilepsy.