HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rodin, E. Articles by Chayasirisobohn, S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rodin, E. Articles by Chayasirisobohn, S.

Epileptic patients who are refractory to anticonvulsant medications

Epilepsy Center of Michigan, Detroit, MI.

To evaluate criteria that predict success or failure of currently available anticonvulsant medications, we studied 194 epileptic patients who were admitted to an intensive treatment unit. Seizures were present in the hospital in 78.3% and could not be controlled in 33.7%. Combinations of at least two of the following criteria were associated with limited treatment responses: multiple handicap (intellectual limitations or abnormal neurologic signs), different seizure types, cluster seizures, slowing of EEC background rhythms, and seizures discharges in the EEG despite adequate anticonvulsant blood levels. Presumed etiology was not associated with predictive ability. Patients who were neurologically and intellectually intact and had frequent clinical attacks, normal EEG background rhythms, and no seizure discharges usually had pseudoseizures.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Rodin, Epilepsy Center of Michigan, 3800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.

Accepted for publication May 13, 1982.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				E. V. Spudis, J. K. Penry, and P. Gibson Driving Impairment Caused by Episodic Brain Dysfunction: Restrictions for Epilepsy and Syncope Arch Neurol, June 1, 1986; 43(6): 558 - 564. [Abstract] [PDF]