Prisca R Bauer1, Josemir W Sander2,3,4. 1. INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, UCBL Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier (Bât. 462), Neurocampus, 95 Blvd. Pinel, 69675, Bron cédex, France. 2. Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands. l.sander@ucl.ac.uk. 3. NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK. l.sander@ucl.ac.uk. 4. Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 0RJ, UK. l.sander@ucl.ac.uk.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Caffeine is the most widely consumed central nervous stimulant. For people with epilepsy, it is often unclear whether drinking coffee carries a risk of triggering seizures. RECENT FINDINGS: The relationship between caffeine, seizures, epilepsy, and anti-seizure drugs is not fully understood. Clinical studies are scarce. In animal models, caffeine can increase seizure susceptibility but can also protect from seizures. Effects seem dose-dependent and are influenced by the duration of intake and the developmental stage at which caffeine exposure started. Caffeine reduces the efficacy of several anti-seizure medications, especially topiramate. It is unclear how these findings, mainly from animal studies, can be translated to the clinical condition. At present, there is no evidence to advise people with epilepsy against the use or overuse of caffeine. Until clinical studies suggest otherwise, caffeine intake should be considered as a factor in achieving and maintaining seizure control in epilepsy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Caffeine is the most widely consumed central nervous stimulant. For people with epilepsy, it is often unclear whether drinking coffee carries a risk of triggering seizures. RECENT FINDINGS: The relationship between caffeine, seizures, epilepsy, and anti-seizure drugs is not fully understood. Clinical studies are scarce. In animal models, caffeine can increase seizure susceptibility but can also protect from seizures. Effects seem dose-dependent and are influenced by the duration of intake and the developmental stage at which caffeine exposure started. Caffeine reduces the efficacy of several anti-seizure medications, especially topiramate. It is unclear how these findings, mainly from animal studies, can be translated to the clinical condition. At present, there is no evidence to advise people with epilepsy against the use or overuse of caffeine. Until clinical studies suggest otherwise, caffeine intake should be considered as a factor in achieving and maintaining seizure control in epilepsy.
Entities:
Keywords:
Anti-seizure drugs; Antiepileptic drugs; Cortical excitability; Energy drinks; Seizures
Authors: Michael J Mackow; Balu Krishnan; William E Bingaman; Imad M Najm; Andreas V Alexopoulos; Dileep R Nair Journal: Clin Neurophysiol Date: 2016-03-18 Impact factor: 3.708