| Popis: |
Introduction: Epilepsy, a disorder of unprovoked seizures is a multifaceted disease affecting individuals of all ages with a particular predilection for the very young and old. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic conditions, with an incidence of approximately 50 new cases per year per 100,000 population. Impairment in cognitive function is a major influential factor on drug tolerability. Hence, we aimed at evaluating the effect of newer antiepileptic medicines (Lamotrigine and Zonisamide) on cognitive functions in patients who were seizure free for one year, in Western India. Material & Methods: It was a prospective observational cohort study. Patients receiving newer antiepileptic medicines as monotherapy and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Evaluation of cognitive performance was done by using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised [ACER] Questionnaire at baseline followed by three months and six months. Observation and Results: Out of 51 enrolled patients, 39 completed the study. Newer AEDs Lamotrigine and Zonisamide had shown positive outcome on the cognitive performance for the parameters of attention, concentration, memory, verbal fluency, language and visuospatial skills. Conclusion: As concluded by previous studies, it has been established that newer antiepileptic drugs like Lamotrigine and Zonisamide definitely improves baseline cognitive performance score. Further comparative studies with older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are needed to establish higher level of evidence. |
