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Encephalopathy induced by levetiracetam added to valproate
Author(s) -
Bauer J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2007.00974.x
Subject(s) - levetiracetam , discontinuation , encephalopathy , electroencephalography , anesthesia , epilepsy , neuropsychology , ictal , medicine , psychology , psychomotor learning , generalized epilepsy , audiology , pediatrics , cognition , psychiatry
Background – We report on the manifestation of a levetiracetam (LEV)‐induced encephalopathy. Findings – A 28‐year‐old man suffering from idiopathic epilepsy with generalized seizures was treated with LEV (3000 mg) added to valproate (VPA) (2000 mg). Frequency of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures increased from one per 6 months to two per month. Neuropsychological testing showed impaired word fluency, psychomotor speed and working memory. The interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed a generalized slowing to 5 per second theta rhythms with bilateral generalized high‐amplitude discharges. Outcome – Following discontinuation of LEV, EEG and neuropsychological findings improved and seizure frequency decreased.