Epilepsy & Related Drug side-effects

Question 1

2 examples of drugs use to treat epilepsy?

Answer 1

Valproate

Phenytoin

Question 2

DVLA regulations for epilepsy/epileptic attacks?

Answer 2

• Patients should abstain from driving for 1 year after their last attack (even when medicated)
• Unless they have had seizures only in their sleep for the last 3 years

Question 3

When is a CT/MRI indicated in a case of seizure/epileptic attack?

Answer 3

Focal nature of the attack + pt under 25

- to look for a structural cause e.g. tumour or arteriovenous malformation

Question 4

Side effects of valproate?

Answer 4

Hair loss
Thrombocytopenia
Hepatitis

Question 5

Notable side effect of phenytoin?

Answer 5

Gum hypertrophy