Articles related to EPILEPSY/SEIZURES

The new guideline emphasizes early intervention and careful medication selection for pregnant patients with epilepsy, recommending lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and oxcarbazepine, while advising against valproic acid, phenobarbital, and topiramate.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) necessitate a multidisciplinary approach, combining neurologic evaluation with psychological insights to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective patient care. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to avoid unnecessary treatments and to engage patients in appropriate psychological therapies.

A 2019 trial report from NEJM offered a comparative analysis of levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate in managing benzodiazepine-resistant convulsive status epilepticus, providing essential insights into their efficacy and safety, aiding clinicians in informed decision-making.

This study underscores the complexity of prescribing antiseizure medications during pregnancy, revealing that while topiramate and lamotrigine show no significant increase in autism spectrum disorder risk post-adjustment, valproate exposure remains a concern due to its association with a higher ASD incidence.

In “Shift in the Night,” a resident physician confronts a pivotal moment where personal and professional realms collide, offering a unique perspective on the emotional and operational challenges healthcare professionals face during personal medical emergencies.

In the realm of PNES, the neurologist’s role extends beyond diagnosis to being a pivotal part of the therapeutic journey, employing empathy and clarity in patient communication to facilitate a seamless transition to psychiatric care, enhancing the potential for successful treatment outcomes.