Treatment of epilepsy for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Any type of seizure can be observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Antiepileptic drugs seem to prevent the recurrence of epileptic seizures in most people with AD. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for epilepsy in people with AD. There are no current systematic reviews to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Vigabatrin versus carbamazepine monotherapy for epilepsy
Abstract Background This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2012 (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 1). The efficacy and safety of vigabatrin (VGB) as an add-on therapy for refractory epilepsy have been well established. However, this information needs to be weighed against the risk of development of visual field […]
Pharmacological interventions for epilepsy in people with intellectual disabilities
Abstract Background The prevalence of epilepsy among people with intellectual disabilities is much higher than in the general population. Seizures in this population are often complex and refractory to treatment and antiepileptic medication may have a profound effect upon behaviour (Kerr 1997). This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review first published in Issue […]
Carbamazepine versus phenobarbitone monotherapy for epilepsy
Abstract Background This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 1, 2003, of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in which abnormal electrical discharges from the brain cause recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is believed that with effective drug treatment, up to 70% of individuals […]
Lacosamide add-on therapy for partial epilepsy
Abstract Background Around half of people with epilepsy will not achieve seizure freedom on their first antiepileptic drug; many will require add-on treatment with another drug. Sometimes multiple treatment combinations are tried to achieve maximum seizure control, although around a third of people do not achieve complete seizure control. Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug that […]