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Treating epileptic emergencies - pharmacological advances.
Johan Zelano1, Elinor Ben-Menachem1
1a Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska Academy , University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 1, 2016
Summary
Recent advances in treating epileptic emergencies focus on status epilepticus, with new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) like valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide offering improved options. Further research is needed for other epileptic emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epileptic emergencies encompass ictal events (status epilepticus, seizure clusters) and non-ictal situations (postictal psychosis, drug side effects).
- Current treatment paradigms often involve traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent pharmacological advancements in managing epileptic emergencies.
- To highlight novel AEDs for status epilepticus and discuss current expert opinions on their use.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted based on clinically relevant questions regarding epileptic emergencies.
- Focus was placed on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with potentially fewer side effects for status epilepticus management.
Main Results:
- Significant pharmacological progress has been made in treating status epilepticus with AEDs such as valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide.
- Valproate and levetiracetam are recommended as second-line treatments for status epilepticus, with levetiracetam being suitable for elderly patients.
- Lacosamide is primarily used as a third-line option due to limited research.
Conclusions:
- Valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide represent key advancements in managing status epilepticus.
- There is a critical need for more research into the pharmacological treatment of other epileptic emergencies.
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