Barry Gidal1, Pavel Klein2, Lawrence J Hirsch3. 1. University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA. Electronic address: barry.gidal@wisc.edu. 2. Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center, Bethesda, MD, USA. 3. Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the prevalence, risk factors, burden, and current and emerging pharmacologic treatments for seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS: Close to half of patients with active epilepsy experience seizure clusters, and the clinical, social, and financial burdens of seizure clusters are high. However, there is no widely accepted definition of seizure clusters; their prevalence is underappreciated, contingencies for addressing them (seizure action plans) are often lacking, and their effects are not well-studied. These issues have resulted in an insufficient number of investigations and approved medications for this condition. Novel formulations are in late-stage development to meet this unmet need.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the prevalence, risk factors, burden, and current and emerging pharmacologic treatments for seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS: Close to half of patients with active epilepsy experience seizure clusters, and the clinical, social, and financial burdens of seizure clusters are high. However, there is no widely accepted definition of seizure clusters; their prevalence is underappreciated, contingencies for addressing them (seizure action plans) are often lacking, and their effects are not well-studied. These issues have resulted in an insufficient number of investigations and approved medications for this condition. Novel formulations are in late-stage development to meet this unmet need.