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Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the approach and management of specialists in patients with unclassified epileptic seizures in outpatient clinics in Spain. Methods: Observational, multicenter, and cross-sectional study. Ninety-three neurologists or neuropediatricians documented consecutive patients with a history of at least two difficult to classify or unclassified epileptic seizures. Patient demographics, quality of life (QOLIE-10-P), disease characteristics, and anticonvulsant treatment were captured. Physicians were asked about their therapeutic approach for the selection of an antiepileptic drug and underlying reasons. Results: A total of 725 patients were included. At the time of the survey, 81% were treated (69% with monotherapy). Most frequently given reasons for starting antiepileptic therapy were ([mean] on a scale of 1-5) efficacy, (3.9), safety (3.61), and broad-spectrum effectiveness (3.5). Reasons given for switching therapy (226/725) included need for broader spectrum of action: 70 (31.0%); simpler dosing regimen: 25 (11.1%); quality of life considerations: 24 (10.6%); lack of adherence to therapy: 24 (10.6%); comorbidities: 13 (5.8%); drug interactions: 12 (5.3%); and possibility of pregnancy 6 (2.7%). Conclusions: When deciding on starting or switching therapy for patients with difficult to classify or unclassified epilepsy, the most important consideration for the specialists included efficacy, safety, and broad-spectrum efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive and irreversible disease and the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. In Spain, it affects around 120.000–150.000 individuals, and its prevalence is estimated to increase in the future. PD has a great impact on patients' and caregivers' lives and also entails a substantial socioeconomic burden. The aim of the present study was to examine the current situation and the 10-year PD forecast for Spain in order to optimize and design future management strategies. This study was performed using the modified Delphi method to try to obtain a consensus among a panel of movement disorders experts. According to the panel, future PD management will improve diagnostic capacity and follow-up, it will include multidisciplinary teams, and innovative treatments will be developed. The expansion of new technologies and studies on biomarkers will have an impact on future PD management, leading to more accurate diagnoses, prognoses, and individualized therapies. However, the socio-economic impact of the disease will continue to be significant by 2030, especially for patients in advanced stages. This study highlighted the unmet needs in diagnosis and treatment and how crucial it is to establish recommendations for future diagnostic and therapeutic management of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]