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Pharmacologic treatment of intractable epilepsy in children: a syndrome-based approach.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22062941     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The successful pharmacologic treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy is predicated upon an accurate classification of the epilepsy syndrome. The selection of an antiepileptic drug is facilitated by the knowledge of syndrome-specific efficacy, the anticipation of potential side effects, and a careful risk-benefit assessment tailored to each patient. As such, the identification of comorbidities and careful monitoring for treatment-emergent adverse events, especially cognitive and behavioral effects, is of utmost importance. Especially in refractory cases, polypharmacy may increase the likelihood of side effects, but carefully chosen combinations can result in synergistic benefit. For most epilepsy syndromes, newer antiepileptic drugs typically yield equivalent efficacy and superior tolerability. Nevertheless, continued research is needed to further contrast the syndrome-specific efficacy and tolerability of available drugs and to foster the development of new agents with superior efficacy and side effect profiles.
Authors:
Shaun Hussain; Raman Sankar
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Seminars in pediatric neurology     Volume:  18     ISSN:  1558-0776     ISO Abbreviation:  Semin Pediatr Neurol     Publication Date:  2011 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-11-08     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9441351     Medline TA:  Semin Pediatr Neurol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  171-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.
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