Anticonvulsive Therapy after the First Unprovoked Seizure – Pros and Cons - Publication

Publication

Anticonvulsive Therapy after the First Unprovoked Seizure – Pros and Cons

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 6, 2016

Zieglgänsberger Dominik, Tettenborn Barbara

Citation

Zieglgänsberger D, Tettenborn B. Anticonvulsive Therapy after the First Unprovoked Seizure – Pros and Cons. Praxis (Bern 1994) 2016; 105:41-5.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Praxis (Bern 1994) 2016; 105

Publication Date

Jan 6, 2016

Issn Print

1661-8157

Pages

41-5

Brief description/objective

A first seizure is a critical life time event with severe consequences. A very thorough work-up is needed to find out the cause of the seizure and to number the risk of recurrence. Reasons for an anticonvulsive therapy are a pathologic EEG, a pathologic neurologic examination, the proof of a structural lesion, focal seizure onset or seizure onset while sleeping or classification as an epilepsy syndrome with high recurrence risk like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy or juvenile absence epilepsy. Psychological and social aspects like the patients or relatives fear of a further seizure, the risk of injury and occupational and recreational aspects must be considered as well. Reasons against an anticonvulsive therapy are mainly related to adverse effects like gain of weight and osteoporosis.