Encephalopathy induced by levetiracetam added to valproate.
BACKGROUND
We report on the manifestation of a levetiracetam (LEV)-induced encephalopathy.


RESULTS
A 28-year-old man suffering from idiopathic epilepsy with generalized seizures was treated with LEV (3000 mg) added to valproate (VPA) (2000 mg). Frequency of generalized tonic-clonic seizures increased from one per 6 months to two per month. Neuropsychological testing showed impaired word fluency, psychomotor speed and working memory. The interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed a generalized slowing to 5 per second theta rhythms with bilateral generalized high-amplitude discharges.


RESULTS
Following discontinuation of LEV, EEG and neuropsychological findings improved and seizure frequency decreased.
Bauer
J
J
Department of Epileptology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany. juergen.bauer@ukb.uni-bonn.de
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D008297:Male; D010889:Piracetam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010889:Piracetam