Abstract
Seizures may occur during or soon after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a controversial issue. The overall conclusions from 2 recent studies in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are that 1) many patients receive AEDs but should not; 2) long-term use is associated with worse outcome; and 3) short-term use is safer. Phenytoin may not be the first choice for seizure prophylaxis; newer AEDs such as levetiracetam might be more helpful in prevention and treatment of seizures.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
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Electroencephalography
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Head Injuries, Closed / complications
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Humans
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Levetiracetam
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
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Phenytoin / adverse effects
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Phenytoin / therapeutic use
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Piracetam / analogs & derivatives
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Piracetam / therapeutic use
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Seizures / drug therapy*
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Seizures / etiology*
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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / complications*
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Anticonvulsants
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Neuroprotective Agents
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Levetiracetam
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Phenytoin
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Piracetam