Efficacy, Duration and Timing of Withdrawal of Prophylactic Treatment with Antiepileptic Drugs in Neurosurgical Conditions

Abstract

Seizure control is a critical component of care in many neurosurgical conditions. The development of seizures in patients without a previously identified seizure disorder occurs in a significant proportion of traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain tumor patients. In this literature review and synthesis, we will discuss the incidence of seizures in selected conditions, indications and evidence for the initiation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), suggested duration of usage for AEDs, and current AED guidelines by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and international committees.

Keywords: Prophylactic treatment; antiepileptic drugs; neurosurgical conditions; seizure control; seizure disorder; traumatic brain injury..