• K Kern, K M Schebesch, J Schlaier, E Hansen, G C Feigl, A T Brawanski, and M Lange.
• Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
• J Clin Neurosci. 2012 Jan 1;19(1):99-100.

AbstractAnticonvulsant drugs are frequently given after craniotomy. Phenytoin (PHT) is the most commonly used agent; levetiracetam (LEV) is a new anticonvulsant drug with fewer side effects. To compare the incidence of seizures in patients receiving either prophylactic PHT or LEV perioperatively, 971 patients undergoing a craniotomy were analysed retrospectively during a 2-year period. PHT was used routinely and LEV was administered when PHT was contraindicated. Seizures documented during the first 7 days after craniotomy were considered. A total of 235 patients were treated with an antiepileptic drug: 81 patients received LEV, and 154 patients, PHT. Two patients receiving LEV (2.5%) and seven receiving PHT (4.5%) had a seizure despite this treatment. No patient had a documented side effect or drug interaction. The data show that LEV may be an alternative option in patients with contraindications to PHT.Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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