Levetiracetam monotherapy for primary generalised epilepsy

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of levetiracetam in cases of refractory primary generalised epilepsy. METHODS Three patients with refractory primary generalised epilepsy were treated with levetiracetam monotherapy; one with absence seizures, myoclonic jerks and generalised tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures one with myoclonic jerks and GTC seizures, and one with only GTC seizures. All three patients had generalised spike wave on the EEG and had failed at least three antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) before trying levetiracetam. RESULTS All three patients tolerated levetiracetam well and became seizure free for at least 6 months. Therapeutic doses of levetiracetam ranged from 1250 to 3000 mg/day. CONCLUSION Levetiracetam, a new AED with a novel mechanism(s) of action, should be considered for patients with refractory primary generalised epilepsy.