Effects of the removal of phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate on the electroencephalogram.
We report the EEG changes that occurred on discontinuance of phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA) in patients with active epilepsy. Discontinuation of CBZ was associated with an increase in mean frequency of dominant rhythm and reduction in amount of slow activity. Patients who had a marked increase in seizures on discontinuation of an antiepileptic drug had a slower mean dominant rhythm at baseline than did patients who did not have an increase in seizures. Subsequent EEGs, during and at the end of drug reduction, showed an increase in bursts of interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) and in slow activity in patients who had a marked increase in seizures. The amount of slow activity and IEA did not alter in patients who did not have an increase in seizures. No patients developed photosensitivity.
Duncan
J S
JS
INSEG (Institute of Neurology, National Hospital and National Society for Epilepsy Research Group), Queen Square, London, England.
Smith
S J
SJ
Forster
A
A
Shorvon
S D
SD
Trimble
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012008:Recurrence; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010672:Phenytoin