Levetiracetam prophylaxis in pediatric migraine--an open-label study.
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.
Pakalnis
Ann
A
Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
Kring
Donna
D
Meier
Lisa
L
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
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam