title: Levetiracetam prophylaxis in pediatric migraine--an open-label study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Migraine is common in the pediatric population. Levetiracetam, an anti-epileptic drug, has shown some efficacy in small prospective adult headache studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively evaluated levetiracetam in an open-label study in 20 pediatric migraine patients to assess tolerability and efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen of 20 patients had significant reduction in headache frequency. PedMIDAS showed significant decrease in disability scores, side effects were minimal (mild behavioral changes).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Levetiracetam had some efficacy in reducing migraine frequency and disability. Further larger studies are warranted, possibly utilizing a placebo-controlled design.
authors: Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Pakalnis
authors: Donna
authors: D
authors: Kring
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Meier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010889:Piracetam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam