Antiepileptic drugs in brain injuries

[Marcelo-Peirano]

    
      Re: Antiepileptic drugs in brain injuries
    


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Posted by CCF Neurosurgery MD on December 15, 1997 at 10:55:54:

In Reply to: Antiepileptic drugs in brain injuries posted by Marcelo Peirano on November 25, 1997 at 21:51:14:

: In my last letter I tried to explain lesions like brain injuries.I am in a discussion with the Internal Medical Doctors of my Hospital because they think that we must use antiepileptic drugs in brain injuries like tumors, AVM, strokes just only if the patient has suffered a seizure in pre or postoperative. I want to know your opinion and if you could suggest some papers to read and show them.
                           Thank you very much again.
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Dear Marcelo,
It is difficult to give rigid guidelines as to when antiepileptic medication
should be prescribed and for how long.  The decision is easy when a patient
has seized from a tumor in the frontal lobe, but things aren't always so clear.
The decision to use antiepileptic medication is best based on the overall picture.
Issues to consider are: age of the patient, general medical condition, other
medications, etiology (or cause)of the seizures, risk of seizures or further
seizures, and compliance to taking the medication, to name a few.  Once on a
medication for seizures or for protection from seizures, one must then decide
on how long therapy should continue, as these medications are not without side-effects.
There have been studies as to which mediation, when, and for how long in different
situations.  They are too numerous to begin to cite in this forum.  Should
you wish to pursue this further, you may consider a MEDLINE search at a medical
library.  You will find volumes on the subject.
Good luck.