Authors: Gelisse, P.¹; Crespel, A.¹; Genton, P.²; Baldy-Moulinier, M.¹

Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Volume 107, Number 4, April 2003 , pp. 302-303(2)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Gelisse P, Crespel A, Genton P, Baldy-Moulinier M. Dramatic effect of levetiracetam on epileptic negative myoclonus.

Acta Neurol Scand 2003: 107: 302-303. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2003. Objective - 

To investigate the properties of levetiracetam in a patient with severe epileptic negative myoclonus. Treatment of epileptic negative myoclonus relies on the drugs that are effective in focal epilepsies, but it is usually pharmacoresistant. Levetiracetam is a new antiepileptic drug with a broad-spectrum activity that includes efficacy against positive myoclonus. Case report - 

This woman had had epileptic falls since the age of 2 years. In 2000, she was on phenobarbital (100 mg/day) and valproate (2000 mg/day) and had two drop attacks per month. Clinical examination showed negative myoclonus of the arms clearly predominating on the left side, which was confirmed by a polygraphic EEG . Levetiracetam (1000 mg/day in the first week, increased to 2000 mg/day thereafter) was added. During the first 2 months, the patient experienced four minor seizures without fall. A polygraphic EEG confirmed that the patient's epileptic negative myoclonus disappeared during levetiracetam treatment. At 1-year follow-up, this patient had had only one seizure. Conclusions - 

The result of levetiracetam treatment in this patient is encouraging, but efficacy should be confirmed in larger series. A long-term follow-up is also necessary to establish that this antimyoclonic effect of levetiracetam is maintained over a period of years.

Keywords: epileptic negative myoclonus; levetiracetam; myoclonus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.02141.x

Affiliations: 1: Epilepsy Unit, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier; 2: Centre Saint Paul, Marseille, France

Publication date: 2003-04-01

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