Journal of child neurology
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Levetiracetam, one of the newer-generation antiepilepsy drugs, is not currently approved for use in children. Given its favorable efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and, particularly, safety profile in adults, we felt that it may be a useful antiepilepsy drug for children with refractory epilepsy. We treated 39 patients (mean age 8.6 years) with open-label levetiracetam for up to 9 months. ⋯ Levetiracetam was generally effective and well tolerated in this open-label study. Its apparent positive effects on cognition in some patients are encouraging. Large, well-controlled studies are needed to fully define levetiracetam's potential in children with refractory epilepsy.
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We report a case of familial hemiplegic migraine in an 11-year-old girl who presented with coma and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed reversible vasospasm and evidence of oligemia, bringing new information regarding neurovascular changes in familial hemiplegic migraine.