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Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 21, 2019
Anti-epileptic drugs in pediatric traumatic brain injury
Tomoko Tanaka1, N Scott Litofsky1
1a Division of Neurological Surgery , University of Missouri School of Medicine , Columbia , MO , USA.
Insights
This review examines pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy, focusing on incidence, anti-epileptic drug (AED) use, and adverse effects. Levetiracetam shows promise in preventing epileptogenesis in children with traumatic brain injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurotrauma
- Epileptology
Background:
- Pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) incidence and anti-epileptic drug (AED) use lack robust evidence-based data.
- Adverse effects of AEDs can negatively impact functional outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify available data on pediatric PTE incidence, AED efficacy, and adverse effects.
- To review developments in preventing epileptogenesis and suggest patient management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of English language papers in PubMed.
- Keywords included: adverse drug effects, anti-epileptic drugs, children, epilepsy, epileptogenesis, head injury, levetiracetam, pediatrics, phenytoin, post-traumatic epilepsy, prevention, seizures, traumatic brain injury.
Main Results:
- Seizure incidence in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies with injury severity and reporting methods.
- Levetiracetam is highlighted as a potential agent for preventing epileptogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Identifying high-risk pediatric patients for post-traumatic seizures is crucial.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for AED use and PTE management.
Introduction:
Pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy incidence varies depending on reporting mechanism and injury severity; anti-epileptic drug (AEDs) use also varies with lack of quality evidence-based data. Adverse AED effects are not negligible; some may negatively affect functional outcome. This review focuses on clarifying available data.
Areas Covered:
This review discusses seizures associated with traumatic brain injury in children, including seizure incidence, relationship to severity of injury, potential detrimental effects of seizures, potential benefits of AED, adverse effects of AED, new developments in preventing epileptogenesis, and suggested recommendations for patient management. English language papers were identified from PubMed using search terms including but not excluding the following: adverse drug effects, anti-epileptic drugs, children, electroencephalogram, epilepsy, epileptogenesis, head injury, levetiracetam, pediatrics, phenytoin, post-traumatic epilepsy, prevention, prophylaxis, seizures, and traumatic brain injury. Expert commentary: Identification of high-risk patients for post-traumatic seizures is a key goal. Levetiracetam may prevent epileptogenesis, as may other developments.
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