Tag: Aed

Approximately 3 million adults in the U.S. have active epilepsy, with pharmacotherapy being the most common treatment [1.3.1, 1.2.4]. So, **what is the meaning of AED in medicine?** The acronym most commonly refers to **Anti-Epileptic Drugs**, but can also mean **Automated External Defibrillator** [1.2.3].

While the acronym AED is commonly associated with an Automated External Defibrillator, in the field of medications and pharmacology, it almost always refers to an **Antiepileptic Drug**. These crucial medications are the primary treatment for epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy, with up to 70% of people achieving seizure control with the right medication. However, pinpointing the single **most common AED used** is complex due to historical trends, patient demographics, and the diverse nature of seizure types. The landscape of epilepsy treatment has shifted significantly over time, with newer medications gaining prominence over older, more traditional options.