Seizure : the journal of the British Epilepsy Association
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To analyze the adverse events (AEs) significantly associated with levetiracetam (LEV) therapy through a meta-analysis of all available double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs), performed in any age, gender, ethnic background and disease. General tolerability and study withdrawals due to AEs associated with LEV treatment were also investigated. In addition, a dose-effect responses relationship for all variables was assessed. ⋯ This first large meta-analysis suggests that participants were more likely to discontinue LEV than placebo. The AE profile confirmed that LEV is associated with few unfavorable sedative, vestibulocerebellar and behavioral effects, such as nervousness and irritability. However, there does not seem to be a clear dose-response relationship.
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Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of lacosamide as first add-on or later adjunctive treatment for uncontrolled partial-onset seizures: A multicentre open-label trial.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide administered as either first add-on or later add-on antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy for patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures (POS). ⋯ Lacosamide initiated as first add-on treatment was efficacious and well tolerated in patients with uncontrolled POS.
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Our goal was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the use of intravenous lidocaine in adults for status epilepticus (SE) and refractory status epilepticus (RSE) to determine its impact on seizure control. ⋯ There currently exists level 4, GRADE C evidence to support the consideration of lidocaine for SE and RSE in the adult population. Thus there is currently weak evidence to support the use of lidocaine in this context. Further prospective studies of lidocaine administration in this setting are warranted.
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To assess the utility of acute electroencephalography (EEG) performed in the emergency room (ER) and its impact on subsequent management of patients with new-onset seizures. Adults who recover fully in the ER following suspected isolated new-onset seizures are usually discharged to the neurology clinic for further review. An EEG at that stage may be normal. We sought to assess the feasibility and yield of early EEG in the ER setting, its impact on management. ⋯ Following an ER diagnosis of new-onset uncomplicated seizure, early EEG had a high diagnostic yield. Abnormal EEG and abnormal MRI significantly contributed to decision-making regarding treatment at specialist review. Abnormal MRI was associated with significantly higher risks of subsequent seizures.
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Status epilepticus (SE) is an acute and severe illness of the central nervous system, and prolonged SE can lead to brain damage and even death. Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist of glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. ⋯ To improve the prognosis of SE, we present a narrative review of ketamine for the treatment of RSE in the extant literature. We draw the conclusion that ketamine appears to be effective and relatively safe for the control of multidrug-resistant RSE in children and adults.