Abstract Purpose of Review Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the commonest cause epilepsy-related premature mortality people with chronic epilepsy. It most devastating epilepsy outcome. We describe and discuss risk factors possible pathophysiological mechanisms to elucidate preventative strategies avert SUDEP. Recent Findings death accounts for a significant proportion compared gen...

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare but debilitating pediatric epileptic encephalopathy characterized by multiple intractable seizure types. Treatment of LGS is challenging because of the small number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) which are effective for this syndrome, as well as the need for polytherapy in the majority of patients. This review focuses on the treatment of LGS with rufinamid...

Chorea is a rare side effect of anticonvulsants. We describe three patients who developed chorea secondary to anticonvulsant combination use. A mechanism to explain this finding is proposed. After identification of an index case with anticonvulsant-induced chorea, we reviewed the electronic data base records for all patients with seizures followed in the epilepsy clinics at our university-based...

Cardiac rhythm abnormalities in the context of epilepsy are a well-known phenomenon. However, they are under-recognized and often missed. The pathophysiology of these events is unclear. Bradycardia and asystole are preceded by seizure onset suggesting ictal propagation into the cortex impacting cardiac autonomic function, and the insula and amygdala being possible culprits. Sudden unexpected de...

Sudden unexpected death is an important category of mortality in the population with epilepsy. Possible risk factors have been identified from an epidemiological study of this phenomenon, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Some of these factors include: male sex; age 20-40 years; generalized seizures; poor seizure control; poor compliance with medication. Case-control studies now being un...

More research needs to be devoted to prediction of who will develop toxic reactions. Studies such as those noting the association of valproate toxicity with young age (especially under two years) and polytherapy may reduce the number of patients with valproate liver failure by limiting the use of the drug in this higher risk group. Caution in using phenytoin in patients undergoing radiotherapy ...

UNLABELLED Antiepileptic drugs (AED) may cause body weight changes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the dietary habits and body weight associated with AED in epileptic patients. METHOD Sixty-six patients were subjected to two interviews, and had their weight and body mass index calculated and compared at both times, interval between six to eight months. RESULTS It was observed that 59.1% showed wei...