Antimyoclonic efficacy of piracetam in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Piracetam, a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been used extensively for treatment of myoclonus in a variety of conditions, but not in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). We have treated a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy who had frequent and inconvenient morning myoclonus with 3,200 mg of piracetam daily. She had had only two generalized tonic-clonic seizures, with the last seizure 10 years earlier. Her obesity precluded the use of sodium valproate. She had a dramatic response to piracetam with sustained cessation of myoclonus and no side effects during 1.5 years' follow-up. Further trials of piracetam for control of myoclonus in patients with IGE are justified.
Khani
Yahya Agha
YA
Andermann
Frederick
F
Andermann
Eva
E
D015897:Comorbidity; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020190:Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010889:Piracetam