Lamotrigine for startle-induced seizures.
Startle-induced seizures are reflex seizures precipitated by a sudden, surprising stimulus, usually auditory. Aetiologies, electroencephalographic correlates, and brain structural abnormalities are variable. Because of the frequent tonic component at onset, falling is a major clinical problem. There is no established drug of choice, and therapy is often unsatisfactory. Adjunctive lamotrigine therapy was used in four consecutive patients with this syndrome seen in a referral epilepsy practice. All four had been refractory to virtually every other drug, but responded dramatically to lamotrigine with elimination of falls from seizures. This observation may serve as pilot data for trials of lamotrigine for startle-induced or other varieties of reflex epilepsies, as adjunctive or monotherapy.
Faught
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University of Alabama at Birmingham Epilepsy Center, Civitan International Research Center, Room 312, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294-0021, USA.
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008875:Middle Aged; D013216:Reflex, Startle; D013575:Syncope / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine