RanMan
Too Much Experience with Epilepsy
- Messages
- 408
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 91
I was concerned about long term effects of AEDs and Multiple Sclerosis so I contacted the NMSS of Canada and here's my reply:
The risk of epilepsy seems to be three times higher in patients with multiple sclerosis than in the general population (107–109). Seizures can be the presenting symptom of this disease but have been observed in relapsing–remitting as well as in secondary or primary progressive multiple sclerosis. It is agreed that, in the contest of an acute relapse, seizures are benign and self-limiting and do not necessarily require treatment, whereas recurrent seizures unrelated to relapse should be treated (109). It has also been suggested that in patients with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy has a good prognosis. Interferons, which are often used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, may have proconvulsant effects, although these data are not considered conclusive (110). An important consideration is the effect of AED treatment on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Fatigue, vertigo, ataxia, diplopia and cognitive slowing can be severe in this disease and can be aggravated by several AEDs which can also mimic disease activity (109).
Up to now, no clinical trials for treatment of epilepsy in patients with multiple sclerosis have been performed and, therefore, no clear recommendations can be given. Clinically important interactions between drugs used for chronic treatment of multiple sclerosis and antiepileptics have not been observed (111). However, AEDs with a potential harmful impact on motor and cognitive functions should be avoided. Low doses of VPA or LEV, which do not impact on motor or cognitive functions, might be preferred.
Also:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/.../seizures/index.aspx
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/...04.2008.01146.x/full
(Extracted the below text from the study re MS and AEDs).
Randy
The risk of epilepsy seems to be three times higher in patients with multiple sclerosis than in the general population (107–109). Seizures can be the presenting symptom of this disease but have been observed in relapsing–remitting as well as in secondary or primary progressive multiple sclerosis. It is agreed that, in the contest of an acute relapse, seizures are benign and self-limiting and do not necessarily require treatment, whereas recurrent seizures unrelated to relapse should be treated (109). It has also been suggested that in patients with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy has a good prognosis. Interferons, which are often used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, may have proconvulsant effects, although these data are not considered conclusive (110). An important consideration is the effect of AED treatment on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Fatigue, vertigo, ataxia, diplopia and cognitive slowing can be severe in this disease and can be aggravated by several AEDs which can also mimic disease activity (109).
Up to now, no clinical trials for treatment of epilepsy in patients with multiple sclerosis have been performed and, therefore, no clear recommendations can be given. Clinically important interactions between drugs used for chronic treatment of multiple sclerosis and antiepileptics have not been observed (111). However, AEDs with a potential harmful impact on motor and cognitive functions should be avoided. Low doses of VPA or LEV, which do not impact on motor or cognitive functions, might be preferred.
Also:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/.../seizures/index.aspx
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/...04.2008.01146.x/full
(Extracted the below text from the study re MS and AEDs).
Randy
