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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Perampanel as first line monotherapy for seizure in japan. A single-centre real-world study
Naoki Nakano1, Kouichiro Fujimoto2, Masaharu Miyauchi2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kindai University School of Medicine Address, 377-2, Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Osaka, Japan. nnakano@med.kindai.ac.jp.
Insights
Perampanel (PER) monotherapy demonstrated high efficacy in epilepsy patients in Japan, with 77.8% achieving seizure freedom. This study highlights PER as an effective first-line treatment for various seizure types, even at a low dose.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- National Health Insurance in Japan began covering Perampanel (PER) monotherapy in January 2020.
- PER monotherapy was subsequently implemented as a treatment option for epilepsy at the institute.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Perampanel (PER) monotherapy in Japanese patients with epilepsy.
- To assess treatment outcomes, including seizure rates and seizure-free status, in patients receiving PER monotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 63 patients receiving PER monotherapy between January 2020 and December 2022.
- Evaluation of seizure rate, seizure-free status, patient demographics, seizure type, and etiology.
- Analysis of Perampanel dosage and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- 77.8% of patients (49/63) achieved seizure freedom with Perampanel monotherapy.
- Significant seizure reduction was observed in 12.7% (25-49% reduction) and 6.3% (50-74% reduction) of patients.
- A median Perampanel dose of 2 mg/day was effective, with no discontinuations due to adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Perampanel monotherapy is effective for a broad range of seizures, particularly those associated with brain lesions.
- Effective seizure control can be achieved with a low daily dose of Perampanel (2 mg/day).
- Perampanel monotherapy represents a valuable treatment option for epilepsy management in Japan.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of Perampanel (PER) monotherapy for patients with seizures in a single-centre in Japan. The National Health Insurance began covering PER monotherapy in Japan since January 2020, after which we began using PER as monotherapy for patients with epilepsy at our institute.
Methods:
All patients given PER between January 2020 and December 2022 were evaluated in this retrospective study. Treatment outcomes (including the seizure rate and seizure- free status) and patient sex, seizure type, and seizure aetiology were evaluated.
Results:
Sixty-three patients (29 females, 34 males) receiving PER monotherapy as the first-line antiseizure medication for epilepsy were evaluated. The age range was 12 to 88 years, with a mean age of 64.5 ± 18.8years. The follow-up period ranged from 194 days to 1004days, with a median of 576 days from PER initiation. A total of 49 patients (77.8%) were seizure free, while the other 14 patients had incomplete seizure control, including 2 patients (3.2%) who had a 75-99% reduction in seizures, 4 patients (6.3%) who had a 50-74% reduction in seizures,8 patients (12.7%) who had a 25-49% reduction in seizures, and no patients with a 0-24% reduction in seizures. The median PER dose was 2 mg (range; 2-8 mg). No patients discontinued PER monotherapy owing to adverse effects such as transient dizziness at initial administration.
Conclusion:
Perampanel monotherapy was effective for treating a wide spectrum of seizures, especially seizures related to lesions such as brain tumours, stroke and trauma. Seizure control could be achieved with a minimum dose of PER (2 mg/day).
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