The effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsants following neurosurgery.

One hundred and two patients who underwent supratentorial procedures for neurosurgical conditions, which are known to carry a high incidence of postoperative seizures, have been given prophylactic anticonvulsant medication. This preliminary analysis has failed to demonstrate any dramatic effect on the postoperative incidence of seizures in the first six months as the result of this policy. There has been a high incidence of serious side effects, but compliance has not been a major problem. This long-term study is continuing, though with a modified protocol.