Life threatening 'epilepsy'
Article Abstract:
A case is described of a five-year-old girl who was hospitalized because of an episode of collapsing with a sudden loss of consciousness, which was thought to signal epilepsy. Four minutes after the episode she recovered and seemed confused. Her medical history was abnormal, as she was born late with fetal distress, and at three years she was still unable to run. She had mild hypotonia (poor muscle tone) and a slightly broad-based gait, suggesting poor balance or coordination. She was receiving therapy to improve her poor fine hand movements. Two weeks before hospital admission, she had fallen, hit her head on the floor and had become unconscious for four minutes. In her family history, a cousin had recurrent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). During hospitalization, the child had normal heart, lung, and abdominal exams, and blood tests, including blood sugar levels, were normal. Brain tomography, electroencephalogram (EEG), and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were normal. A month after her admission she was again became unconscious without anyone witnessing the collapse. At the hospital, the only abnormality was an abnormal pulse, and further ECGs showed episodes of abnormal heart beats. Further arrhythmias were not produced by exercise testing, and ultrasound scanning of the heart was normal. Disopyramide, a drug used to treat heart arrhythmias, was given and a monitor to obtain ECGs at home was provided. The monitor showed that the patient's collapse, at home during quiet activity, occurred during ventricular tachycardia (rapid contraction of the heart originating in the lower heart chamber). The patient was then given flecainide, another antiarrhythmic, but within the same week, ventricular fibrillation (very rapid, ineffective heartbeat) occurred, and sotalol was then given. The ECG improved, and collapse has not recurred. The report indicates the importance of performing 24-hour monitoring of heart function in ruling out cardiac abnormalities in patients who suffer sudden collapses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1991
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Topiramate for epilepsy
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the drug topiramate to treat epilepsy. Sold under the trade name Topamax, its precise action is not known. It is effective in treating partial seizures and may be effective in other types of seizures. Side effects include mental difficulty, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, movement disorders, double vision, and confusion. It may also interact with other anti-convulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproic acid.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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Tiagabine for epilepsy
Article Abstract:
Tiagabine has received FDA approval for use in addition to other antiseizure drugs in the treatment of partial seizures in epilepsy. Other drugs continue to be used as primary treatment for seizures, and tiagabine is approved for use as adjunct therapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that tiagabine may reduce seizures by 50% or more in some patients. Tiagabine is sold by Abbott under the trade name Gabitril.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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