title: Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Subarachnoid haemorrhage may result in seizures both acutely and in the longer term. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage is uncertain, and there is currently no consensus on treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of AEDs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 1) in The Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE (1946 to 12th March 2013). We checked the reference lists of articles retrieved from these searches.
  
  
  METHODS
  We considered all randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in which patients were assigned to a treatment (one or more AEDs) or placebo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two review authors (RM and JK) independently screened and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. If studies were included, one author extracted the data and the other checked it.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No relevant studies were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no evidence to support or refute the use of antiepileptic drugs for the primary or secondary prevention of seizures related to subarachnoid haemorrhage. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are urgently needed to guide clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stroke Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marigold
authors.forename: Albrecht
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Günther
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tiwari
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kwan
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants