Clobazam monotherapy for partial-onset or generalized-onset seizures
Abstract Background There is a need to expand monotherapy options available to a clinician for the treatment of new partial-onset or generalized-onset seizures. A Cochrane systematic review for clobazam monotherapy is expected to define its place in the treatment of new-onset or untreated seizures and highlight gaps in evidence. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy, effectiveness, […]
Anticonvulsant therapy for status epilepticus
Abstract Background Status epilepticus is a medical emergency associated with significant mortality and morbidity that requires immediate and effective treatment. Objectives (1) To determine whether a particular anticonvulsant is more effective or safer to use in status epilepticus compared to another and compared to placebo. (2) To delineate reasons for disagreement in the literature regarding […]
Comparison of antiepileptic drugs, no treatment, or placebo for children with benign epilepsy with centro temporal spikes
Abstract Abstract Background Benign Epilepsy with Centro Temporal Spikes (BECTS) is a common epilepsy syndrome with onset in childhood which almost always remits by adolescence. It is characterised by focal seizures associated with motor signs and somatosensory symptoms, at times progressing to become generalised. The characteristic interictal EEG shows normal background activity with centrotemporal spikes […]
Acupuncture for epilepsy
Abstract Background Acupuncture is increasingly used in people with epilepsy. It remains unclear whether existing evidence is rigorous enough to support its use. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2008. Objectives To determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in people with epilepsy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy […]
Cannabinoids for epilepsy
Abstract Background Marijuana appears to have anti-epileptic effects in animals. It is not currently known if it is effective in patients with epilepsy. Some states in the United States of America have explicitly approved its use for epilepsy. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids when used as monotherapy or add-on treatment for […]
Psychological and behavioural treatments for adults with non-epileptic attack disorder
Abstract Background Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, also known as non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD), have the outward appearance of epilepsy in the absence of physiological or electroencephalographic correlates. Non-epileptic seizures can occur in isolation or in combination with epileptic seizures. The development and maintenance of non-epileptic seizures has been well documented and there is a growing literature […]
Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Abstract Background More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience low-back pain (LBP) and almost one-fifth experience pelvic pain. Pain increases with advancing pregnancy and interferes with work, daily activities and sleep. Objectives To assess the effects of interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy […]
Immunomodulatory interventions for focal epilepsy syndromes
Abstract Background Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder made particularly disabling in the 30% of patients who do not achieve freedom from seizures despite multiple trials of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Experimental and clinical evidence supports a role for inflammatory pathway activation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy which, if effectively targeted by immunomodulatory interventions, highlights a […]
Treatment of infantile spasms
Abstract Background Infantile spasms (West’s Syndrome) is a syndrome that includes a peculiar type of epileptic seizure—the spasms—and an electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormality often called hypsarrhythmia. Psychomotor retardation is frequently found at follow-up. Approximately two-thirds of affected infants will have a detectable underlying neurological abnormality, but still little is known about the pathophysiological basis for infantile […]
Antiepileptic drugs for the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage
Abstract Background Subarachnoid haemorrhage may result in seizures both acutely and in the longer term. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the primary and secondary prevention of seizures after subarachnoid haemorrhage is uncertain, and there is currently no consensus on treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of AEDs for the primary and secondary prevention […]