Rufinamide Reduces Seizures in Treatment-Resistant Lennox-Gastaut Epilepsy
Apr 13, 2005 - 12:21:00 AM
Rufinamide reduced monthly seizure frequency by 33 percent, compared to 12 percent for placebo, and was especially beneficial in patients with so-called tonic-atonic seizures.
By American Academy of Neurology, [RxPG] Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is a catastrophic form of childhood epilepsy that is often resistant to treatment with conventional anti-seizure medications.
In this trial, 138 patients with treatment-resistant LGS received either the novel drug rufinamide or placebo for 12 weeks. Rufinamide reduced monthly seizure frequency by 33 percent, compared to 12 percent for placebo, and was especially beneficial in patients with so-called tonic-atonic seizures.
Sleepiness and vomiting were important drug side effects. This study provides support for use of the drug in LGS patients whose symptoms are not well controlled by other medications.
Publication:
American Academy of Neurology 57th Annual Meeting held in Miami Beach, Fla., April 9 16, 2005.
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The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.
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