Self management programmes for quality of life in people with stroke
Abstract Background Stroke results from an acute lack of blood supply to the brain and becomes a chronic health condition for millions of survivors around the world. Self management can offer stroke survivors a pathway to promote their recovery. Self management programmes for people with stroke can include specific education about the stroke and likely […]
Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for drug-resistant epilepsy
Abstract Background An estimated 1% to 3% of all individuals will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy during their lives, which corresponds to approximately 50 million affected people worldwide. The real prevalence is possibly higher because epilepsy is underreported in developing countries. Although most will achieve adequate control of their disease though the use of medication, […]
Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy
Abstract Background This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 6, 2012. Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders. Despite the plethora of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) currently available, 30% of people continue having seizures. This group of people requires a more aggressive treatment, since monotherapy, the first […]
Immediate antiepileptic drug treatment, versus placebo, deferred, or no treatment for first unprovoked seizure
Abstract Background There is considerable disagreement about the risk of recurrence following a first unprovoked epileptic seizure. A decision about whether to start antiepileptic drug treatment following a first seizure should be informed by information on the size of any reduction in risk of future seizures, the impact on long-term seizure remission, and the risk […]
Phenytoin versus valproate monotherapy for partial onset seizures and generalised onset tonic-clonic seizures
Abstract Background Worldwide, phenytoin and valproate are commonly used antiepileptic drugs. It is generally believed that phenytoin is more effective for partial onset seizures, and that valproate is more effective for generalised onset tonic-clonic seizures (with or without other generalised seizure types). This review is one in a series of Cochrane reviews investigating pair-wise monotherapy […]
Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after intracranial venous thrombosis
Abstract Background Intracranial venous thrombosis (ICVT) commonly presents with seizures in the acute period, and some people may develop recurrent seizures in the long term. The prophylactic use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for the management of post-ICVT seizures is controversial, and there is currently no consensus on the optimal management of post-ICVT seizures. This is […]
Ketogenic diet and other dietary treatments for epilepsy
Abstract Background The ketogenic diet (KD), being high in fat and low in carbohydrates, has been suggested to reduce seizure frequency. It is currently used mainly for children who continue to have seizures despite treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Recently, there has been interest in less restrictive KDs including the modified Atkins diet (MAD) and the […]
Care delivery and self-management strategies for adults with epilepsy
Abstract Background Researchers have criticised epilepsy care for adults for its lack of impact, stimulating the development of various service models and strategies to respond to perceived inadequacies. Objectives To assess the effects of any specialised or dedicated intervention beyond that of usual care in adults with epilepsy. Search methods For the latest update of […]
Interventions for psychotic symptoms concomitant with epilepsy
Abstract Background This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 4, 2008. People suffering from epilepsy have an increased risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms. The psychotic syndromes associated with epilepsy have generally been classified as ictal, postictal, and interictal psychosis. Anticonvulsant drugs have been reported to precipitate psychosis. Moreover, all […]
Subpial transection surgery for epilepsy
Abstract Background Nearly 30% of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures in spite of using several antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens. Such patients are regarded as having refractory, or uncontrolled, epilepsy. No definition of uncontrolled, or medically refractory, epilepsy has been universally accepted, but for the purposes of this review, we will consider seizures as […]