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Levetiracetam induced polyneuropathy: a case report
P Kapoor1, P McCabe, M J Kothari
1Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|March 19, 2005
Summary
This study details the first reported instance of polyneuropathy caused by levetiracetam, an anti-epileptic drug. Discontinuing the medication led to significant electrodiagnostic improvements, suggesting a causal link.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Levetiracetam is a widely prescribed anti-epileptic medication.
- Neuropathy is a potential adverse effect of various medications.
Observation:
- A patient developed polyneuropathy during levetiracetam treatment.
- Symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with drug-induced neuropathy.
Findings:
- Levetiracetam was identified as the causative agent for polyneuropathy.
- Discontinuation of levetiracetam resulted in marked clinical and electrophysiological recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously unrecognized adverse effect of levetiracetam.
- Clinicians should consider levetiracetam-induced polyneuropathy in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the incidence and mechanisms of this adverse event.