This article critically reviews the role of evidence-based medicine and its guidelines, from their logistic preparation to their interpretation. The strengths and weaknesses of the methodological points are presented, as well the reasons for the extreme popularity of the guidelines in developed countries. The review discusses the main foundations of the most cited guidelines and some recent large studies. Some of the final conclusions are that clinical experience is always an important factor to consider, even in the face of solid evidence, to achieve the best possible management of any particular patient.
antiepileptic drugs; guidelines for medical treatment of epilepsy; evidence-based medicine
