Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jan 2011
Lacosamide neurotoxicity associated with concomitant use of sodium channel-blocking antiepileptic drugs: a pharmacodynamic interaction?
Lacosamide is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) apparently devoid of major pharmacokinetic interactions. Data from a small postmarketing assessment suggest people who had lacosamide co-prescribed with a voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC)-blocking AED seemed more likely to discontinue lacosamide because of tolerability problems. ⋯ Slow-inactivated VGSCs targeted by lacosamide might be more sensitive to the effects of conventional VGSC-blocking AEDs. Advising people to reduce concomitantly the conventional VGSC-blocking AEDs during lacosamide uptitration in cases of neurotoxicity might improve the tolerability of combination treatment.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jan 2011
Case ReportsTranscranial direct current stimulation in adolescent and adult Rasmussen's encephalitis.
Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare, progressive inflammatory disease that typically affects one cerebral hemisphere and causes intractable partial-onset seizures. Currently, the only effective therapy is hemispherectomy; however, this procedure is associated with irreversible neurological deficits. Novel therapeutic approaches to this condition are therefore necessary. ⋯ At follow-up evaluations 6 and 12 months later, one patient had a significant reduction in seizure frequency and one was seizure free. Additionally, both patients had improved levels of alertness and language. This is the first time that cTDCS has been applied in serial sessions to treat Rasmussen's encephalitis to avoid or delay surgical treatment.
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Epilepsy & behavior : E&B · Jan 2011
Lacosamide in the treatment of acute recurrent seizures and periodic epileptiform patterns in critically ill patients.
We investigated the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of lacosamide (LCM) in patients with acute recurrent seizures or with periodic epileptiform activity captured during continuous EEG monitoring. A total of 17 patients received LCM; 12 patients received LCM as a second or third antiepileptic drug (AED), one patient as a fourth AED, and one patient as a fifth AED. No additional AEDs were introduced after LCM in 15 patients. ⋯ No adverse effects, including symptomatic bradycardia and allergic reactions, were seen for intravenous infusion dosages up to 300 mg. Eleven patients were eventually discharged on LCM. LCM is an important new AED in the add-on treatment of acute recurrent seizures and periodic epileptiform activity in critically ill patients.