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Antimyoclonic Efficacy of Piracetam in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Author(s) -
Khani Yahya Agha,
Andermann Frederick,
Andermann Eva
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.04105.x
Subject(s) - piracetam , epilepsy , idiopathic generalized epilepsy , medicine , clinical neurology , psychology , neuroscience , psychiatry , anesthesia
Summary: Piracetam, a derivative of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been used extensively for treatment of myoclonus in a variety of conditions, but not in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). We have treated a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy who had frequent and inconvenient morning myoclonus with 3,200 mg of piracetam daily. She had had only two generalized tonic–clonic seizures, with the last seizure 10 years earlier. Her obesity precluded the use of sodium valproate. She had a dramatic response to piracetam with sustained cessation of myoclonus and no side effects during 1.5 years' follow‐up. Further trials of piracetam for control of myoclonus in patients with IGE are justified.