title: Seizure prophylaxis in neurocritical care: a review of evidence-based support.
abstract: Seizures are a well-described complication of acute brain injury and neurosurgery. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently utilized for seizure prophylaxis in neurocritical care patients. In this review, the Neurocritical Care Society Pharmacy Section describes the evidence associated with the use of AEDs for seizure prophylaxis in patients with intracerebral tumors, traumatic brain injury, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, craniotomy, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Clear evidence indicates that the short-term use of AEDs for seizure prophylaxis in patients with traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage may be beneficial; however, evidence to support the use of AEDs in other disease states is less clear.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy, Knoxville, Tennessee.
authors.forename: A Shaun
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: Haley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.forename: Gretchen M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Brophy
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bushwitz
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castle
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Deen
authors.forename: Dachelle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lesch
authors.forename: Norah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roels
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Samaan
authors.forename: Denise H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Rhoney
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000150:complications; D012640:Seizures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: critical care; levetiracetam; phenytoin; prophylaxis; seizure