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Encephalopathy induced by levetiracetam added to valproate
1Department of Epileptology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany. juergen.bauer@ukb.uni-bonn.de
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.
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