Effects of vigabatrin on evoked potentials in epileptic patients

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1989;27 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):61S-68S. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb03463.x.

Abstract

1. Somatosensory (SEP) brainstem auditory (BAEP) and visual (VEP) evoked potentials were determined before and after add-on administration of vigabatrin (GVG) in patients with epilepsy. 2. At pre-treatment assessment SEP and BAEP parameters were usually found to be within normal limits, while P100 latencies of the VEP were abnormally prolonged in a considerable proportion of patients. 3. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 22 patients GVG (1-3 g day-1 stratified according to body weight) given for 7 weeks did not modify any of the evoked potential parameters evaluated. 4. Eighteen patients were evaluated prospectively at regular intervals during long-term GVG (2-4 g day-1) therapy with a mean follow up of 24 months (range 13-42 months). SEP, BAEP and especially VEP parameters showed some interindividual variability, but the within patient variation was relatively small. No consistent important changes were seen in association with GVG, although a possible trend towards a shortening of BAEP latencies and P100 latencies was observed. 5. The relevance of these findings with respect to GVG safety is discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aminocaproates / adverse effects
  • Aminocaproates / pharmacology*
  • Aminocaproates / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain Stem / physiology
  • Child
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Evoked Potentials / drug effects*
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / drug effects*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Vigabatrin

Substances

  • Aminocaproates
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Vigabatrin