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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Movement disorders in patients taking anticonvulsants.
C Zadikoff1, R P Munhoz, A N Asante
1Division of Neurology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 3, 2006
Summary
Valproate increases the risk of parkinsonism in epilepsy patients, but less than previously thought. Newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) showed no clear association with movement disorders in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause various movement disorders.
- Previous research suggested a 10-fold higher risk of parkinsonism with valproate, but lacked large-scale evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors of valproate-associated parkinsonism.
- To evaluate movement disorders linked to newer AEDs.
Main Methods:
- 201 epilepsy patients were recruited from a specialized clinic.
- A movement disorder specialist, blinded to medication, assessed patients.
Main Results:
- Parkinsonism occurred in 4.5% of patients; postural tremor was more common (45%).
- Valproate use was associated with a 5-fold increased odds of parkinsonism.
- Concomitant medications and comorbidities influenced parkinsonism risk; newer AEDs showed no clear association.
Conclusions:
- The risk of parkinsonism with valproate is elevated but lower than previously reported.
- Insufficient data exists to assess movement disorders with newer AEDs.
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