Photosensitivity as a model for acute antiepileptic drug studies.
A technique is described for assessing the efficacy and time course of effects of antiepileptic drugs, after a single acute dose, by means of their action on the human photo-convulsive response. The range of frequencies of intermittent photic stimulation to which the patient is sensitive (photosensitivity range) is determined in a standardized manner at hourly intervals over the course of a waking day. 82 controlled studies have established that, with the rare exceptions of patients showing a consistent circadian rhythm of photosensitivity, the photosensitivity range is stable over this time scale. A total of 72 studies have shown that representatives of all the major groups of established antiepileptic drugs, together with some experimental drugs, suppress photosensitivity following a single acute administration. By contrast barbiturates without antiepileptic action (methohexitone and quinalbarbitone) do not affect photosensitivity even in doses producing marked drowsiness. These findings suggest the technique to be a potentially useful tool for preliminary investigation of efficacy and duration of action of new potential antiepileptic drugs.
Binnie
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CD
Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité
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DG
De Korte
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R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D012640:Seizures / Q000517:prevention & control
D000927:Anticonvulsants