Epilepsia
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Levetiracetam intravenous infusion as an alternative to oral dosing in patients with partial-onset seizures.
This multicenter, open-label study evaluated the short-term tolerability of intravenously (IV)-infused levetiracetam (LEV; 500-1,500 mg/100 ml, 15 min, b.i.d.) as a substitute for the same oral dose. ⋯ LEV IV appears to be a well-tolerated, practical alternative in patients with partial-onset seizures temporarily unable to take the drug orally.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Seizure outcome after resection of supratentorial cavernous malformations: a study of 168 patients.
The optimal management of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) with epileptic seizures is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to examine seizure outcome in the largest published series of surgically treated patients with epilepsy due to a supratentorial CCM, and to define predictors for good surgical outcome. ⋯ Considering the natural history of CCMs, the favorable neurologic and seizure outcome, surgical resection of CCMs should be considered in all patients with supratentorial CCMs and concomitant epilepsy, irrespective of the presence or absence of predictors for a favorable seizure outcome.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (up to 2000 mg/day) in Taiwanese patients with refractory partial seizures: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Pregabalin add-on treatment in patients with partial seizures: a novel evaluation of flexible-dose and fixed-dose treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To evaluate pregabalin as add-on therapy for patients with partial seizures administered as fixed dose or as flexible dose adjusted to optimal seizure reduction and tolerability. ⋯ Pregabalin administered twice daily, either as fixed (600 mg/day), or as flexible (150-600 mg/day) dose, was highly effective and generally well-tolerated as add-on therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization. Lower incidence of adverse events and discontinuations were achieved in patients receiving pregabalin when dosing was individualized to optimize efficacy and tolerability.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Development of a validated clinical case definition of generalized tonic-clonic seizures for use by community-based health care providers.
To develop and test a clinical case definition for identification of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) by community-based health care providers. ⋯ Based on these criteria, we recommend that all patients with a history of two or more episodes of jerking or rigidity of limbs, having a score of > or =4 in the case definition, be identified as having GTCSs and started on antiepileptic medications. This clinical case definition can be very useful for community-based health care providers to identify and manage cases of GTCSs in the community. This should play a major role in the reduction of treatment gap for epilepsy in developing countries.