Levetiracetam: Effective Adjunct Epileptic Therapy in Kids – MM1601
Epilepsy is a common chronic disorder that requires long-term antiepileptic drug therapy. Approximately one half of patients fail the initial antiepileptic drug and about 35% are refractory to medical therapy, highlighting the continued need for more effective and better tolerated drugs.
Modern Medicine – January 2016
Lamotrigine is an Antiepileptic and Mood Stabiliser – MM1503
Lamotrigine is used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs for the treatment of partial seizures, tonicclonic seizures and seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also used alone for treating partial seizures in patients 16 years and older when converting from other anti-epileptic drugs. Lamotrigine also is used for preventing mood episodes in individuals 18 years or older with bipolar disorder.
Modern Medicine – March 2015
Hyperconnectivity Seen in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy – MM1502
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is the most common idiopathic (presumed genetic) generalised epilepsy (IGE) syndrome and represents five to 10% of all epilepsies. It is characterised by an age-related onset of upper limb myoclonic seizures in the mid-teens, followed in the majority of cases by generalised tonic–clonic seizures. There is increasing evidence of cognitive dysfunction in these patients, with deficits reported on tests of frontal lobe function.
Modern Medicine – February 2015
Generalised Epilepsy Due to Function Abnormalities – MM1501
Primary generalised epilepsy, also called idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE), refers to an epilepsy syndrome of idiopathic or unknown cause, not attributed to a known underlying condition such as brain tumour, stroke or other neurological disorder. IGE is characterised by bilateral spike–wave epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography (EEG). There are a number of different IGE syndromes. Each syndrome has its own characteristic seizure type(s), typical age of onset, and specific EEG patterns.
Modern Medicine – January 2015
Investigating a Seizure: Is it Epilepsy – MM1306
Epileptic seizures have varied symptoms and many paroxysmal events can be imitators of epileptic attacks. A detailed eyewitness report of the patient’s behaviour during a seizure can be a valuable diagnostic tool.
Modern Medicine – June 2013
