Levetiracetam in the treatment of paroxysmal kinesiogenic choreoathetosis.
Anticonvulsants are frequently used in the treatment of paroxysmal kinesiogenic choreoathetosis (PKC). Although they are often extremely effective in eliminating paroxysmal movements, short- and long-term side-effects may limit their use in young patients. Levetiracetam (Keppra), a novel antiepileptic drug approved for the treatment of partial seizures is well tolerated in patients with epilepsy. We report on the use of levetiracetam in the treatment of PKC. Levetiracetam was effective in eliminating paroxysmal events and should be considered as an alternative to standard antiepileptic medications in this disorder.
The Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Anjan
A
Chatterjee
Elan D
ED
Louis
Steven
S
Frucht
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001264:Athetosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002819:Chorea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam