Life-threatening status epilepticus following gabapentin administration in a patient with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy.
We report the case of a 57-year-old man who experienced life-threatening myoclonic status after the administration of gabapentin. Based on familial data, the patient was determined to be a member of a previously described family with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy (BAFME). The myoclonic status did not respond to benzodiazepines, but resolved after discontinuing the gabapentin. As for other idiopathic generalized epilepsies, gabapentin may precipitate myoclonic status in a benign syndrome, such as BAFME, as is reported herein for the first time. A correct diagnosis and prompt discontinuation of the drug may reverse a potentially severe, life-threatening condition.
Striano
Pasquale
P
Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy. pstriano@email.it
Coppola
Antonietta
A
Madia
Francesca
F
Pezzella
Marianna
M
Ciampa
Clotilde
C
Zara
Federico
F
Striano
Salvatore
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006239:Haplotypes / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013874:Thiopental / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014202:Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D013874:Thiopental