Treatment of minor motor seizures with clonazepam

Fifty-two patients (age-range four months to 17 years) with drug-resistant convulsive disorders were treated for up to four years (average 15 months) with clonazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative. The types of seizures suffered by these patients were atypical petit mal, akinetic, massive infantile spasms, mixed minor motor seizures, myoclonic jerks, psychomotor, classic petit mal and grand mal. Evaluation of seizure control by clonazepam showed that the large majority of patients had improved--complete control of seizures was achieved in 27 per cent, and a greater than 50 per cent control was achieved in 61 per cent of the patients. Ten per cent of the patients showed no change and one patient worsened. Eight patients were successfully managed on clonazepam alone. Lethargy and ataxia were common side-effects but usually they were transient. No serious organic toxicity was noted.