Antiepileptic drugs in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Seizures may occur during or soon after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a controversial issue. The overall conclusions from 2 recent studies in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are that 1) many patients receive AEDs but should not; 2) long-term use is associated with worse outcome; and 3) short-term use is safer. Phenytoin may not be the first choice for seizure prophylaxis; newer AEDs such as levetiracetam might be more helpful in prevention and treatment of seizures.
Zubkov
Alexander Y
AY
Division of Critical Care Neurology, Mayo Clinic, and Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, MN, USA.
Wijdicks
Eelco F M
EF
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010672:Phenytoin; D010889:Piracetam