Seizure-Control Effect of Levetiracetam on Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and Other Epileptic Syndromes: Literature Review of Recent Studies



Hashemi Aghdam A¹ ; Sharifi A¹ ; Miri M² ; Tafakhori A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Child Neurology Published:2015

Abstract

Objective Various epileptic syndromes may present in adolescence and Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is known to be the most common idiopathic generalized epileptic syndrome presenting itself with different types of seizure activity. The exact etiology of JME is still unknown, but hypoxia, storage disease, toxic-metabolic disorders, drug reactions, and neurodegenerative disorders have been revealed to cause disease manifestation. Previous research shows that JME includes 5–10% of all cases diagnosed with epilepsy. It is estimated to include 18% of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Females are at higher risk of developing this condition. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anti-epileptic drug that has become one of the most used drugs for the management of epileptic syndromes. It has less drug interactions, milder side effects, and broad-spectrum efficacy to make it an ideal drug to control seizures. Different mechanisms of actions have made LEV a novel anti-epileptic drug. This new medication can be used as a mono- or add-on therapy to previous anti-epileptic drugs. One of the clinically valuable pharmacological aspects of LEV is that it can be started at a high therapeutic dosage and is well tolerated. The median starting dosage varied according to patients underlying disease, age, and disease severity. We have also discussed the effect of LEV on other epileptic syndromes, which showed promising results in both adults and children. In childhood epilepsy, there is evidence proving that a higher rate of behavioral disturbances with neurological disorders can be improved by LEV therapy. Finally, our review showed the beneficial effects of LEV on seizure-control in different epileptic syndromes especially as a monotherapy. © Iranian Child Neurology Society. All rights reserved.