oxcarbazepine / Generic mfg. - LARVOL DELTA

Prenatal Exposure to Antiseizure Medications and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea. (PubMed, Neurology) - "This study revealed that prenatal exposure to valproate increased the risk of congenital anomalies. Although other ASMs, even in polytherapy, did not significantly increase the overall risk of congenital anomalies, carbamazepine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate were associated with specific types of congenital anomalies. Given the limited number of cases, these findings warrant further investigation in other populations."

Journal • Retrospective data • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Ventriculomegaly

Status Epilepticus Related to Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature. (PubMed, J ECT) - "Factors possibly associated with SE in the present case were previous PS, discontinuation of oxcarbazepine during ECT, an implanted vagus nerve stimulator, and low stimulus intensity, presumably near the individual seizure threshold...(3) If available, characteristics of previous ECTs regarding charge, type, and dosing of anesthetics, concurrent medication, seizure duration, and tolerability of ECT should be considered. In particular, we recommend an increase in stimulus intensity (charge) to induce robust seizure termination."

Journal • Anesthesia • CNS Disorders • Depression • Epilepsy • Major Depressive Disorder • Mood Disorders • Psychiatry

LAMB1-associated leukoencephalopathy: a continuum from a prenatal, recessive syndrome to a dominant, adult-onset disorder. (PubMed, Neurogenetics) - "A 1 year 11 months-old female patient displayed focal seizures symptoms with good response to oxcarbazepine...The cases affected by the dominant condition also exhibit a broad range of manifestations and brain imaging anomalies, some of them overlap to those seen in the recessive LAMB1-related leukoencephalopathy. This work unveils the relevance of performing a comprehensive literature review for a better comprehension of overlapping conditions caused by variants in the same gene."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • LAMB1

Elevated thalamic blood flow in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. (PubMed, Epilepsy Res) - "ASM use significantly modulated thalamic blood flow: children taking oxcarbazepine showed the highest CBF, while those on levetiracetam had CBF similar to controls. These findings demonstrate that elevated thalamic blood flow may be intrinsic to SeLECTS pathophysiology, with different ASMs producing distinct neurobiological effects. The differential medication effects may relate to their clinical efficacy and provide neurobiological rationale for treatment selection in this common childhood epilepsy syndrome."

Journal • Anesthesia • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Trigeminal neuralgia secondary to giant saccular aneurysm/endovascular procedure – Is lidocaine block an old treatment with a new indication? (EHF-EHC 2025) - "Carbamazepine is the standard first-line treatment, although alternatives such as oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, or pregabalin may be considered in cases of intolerance or poor response...Due to poor control of pain (15 episodes/month) and intolerance to carbamazepine (ataxia, vertigo), eslicarbazepine was introduced. Trials with oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, and levetiracetam were ineffective and poorly tolerated...Given the refractoriness of symptoms, the patient was submitted to peripheral nerve block with 2% lidocaine at the auriculotemporal and supraorbital branches, resulting in marked improvement and a >50% reduction in frequency and severity of attacks. Peripheral nerve block with lidocaine is a safe, accessible, and effective option for symptom relief and should be considered in cases of secondary trigeminal neuralgia refractory to pharmacological treatment."

Ataxia • Brain Cancer • Cardiovascular • Movement Disorders • Musculoskeletal Pain • Neuralgia • Otorhinolaryngology • Pain • Solid Tumor • Vertigo

Middle meningeal artery lidocaine infusion for refractory migraine: First case report in Portugal (EHF-EHC 2025) - "Various pharmacologic classes were tried without benefit: antihypertensives and calcium channel blockers (propranolol, candesartan, flunarizine), antiepileptics (valproic acid, topiramate, oxcarbazepine), antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, venlafaxine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, clomipramine), other preventives (prednisolone, oxitriptan, melatonin), cycles of botulinum toxin (PREEMPT protocol), monoclonal antibodies (galcanezumab, fremanezumab, erenumab), and atogepant. At the time of the procedure, the patient was on eptinezumab 100 mg and botulinum toxin every three months but continued to have daily headaches, with severe intensity and reliance on eletriptan for acute relief...It constitutes an invasive therapeutic approach that should be considered only as a rescue option for carefully selected patients with severely refractory migraine. Further studies and long-term follow-up are needed to assess efficacy and safety."

Case report • Clinical • Anorexia • CNS Disorders • Migraine • Pain

Comparison b/w Carbamazepine vs Oxcarbazepine in Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (clinicaltrials.gov) - P=N/A | N=122 | Active, not recruiting | Sponsor: Abbasi Shaheed Hospital

New trial • Neuralgia • Pain

Cenobamate and Brivaracetam Use in Pregnancy and Lactation - A Case Report (AES 2025) - "She previously failed multiple ASMs, including clonazepam, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, zonisamide, and phenytoin, due to inadequate seizure control or intolerable side effects. This case describes a normal pregnancy outcome in a young female with intractable localization-related epilepsy on combination cenobamate and brivaracetam. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pregnancy outcome with this specific ASM combination. This offers reassuring, preliminary evidence that cenobamate and brivaracetam may be safely continued in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks, especially in intractable epilepsy."

Case report • Clinical • Anesthesia • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Multi-Night Analysis on the Effect of Epilepsy Medication on Sleep Spindles in Intracranial EEG (AES 2025) - "Each patient took between 1-4 anti-epilepsy medications, which included Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Cenobamate, Clobazam, Oxcarbazepine, Briviact, Carbamazepine, Lacosamide, and Zonisamide. This preliminary analysis into muti-medication effects on sleep spindles during a multi-night EMU stay with intracranial EEG, suggests that there could be a relationship between anti-epilepsy medication dosages and sleep spindle rates. If confirmed in a larger cohort, the observed increase in sleep spindle rate with higher medication doses might suggest a positive effect of medication on sleep. This could be an indirect consequence of the decrease in epileptiform activity, which might permit the augmentation of sleep spindles even outside the seizure onset zone."

CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Pilomotor Seizures Provoked by Amygdalar/Hippocampal Stimulation (AES 2025) - "At the time of the stimulation, the patient was taking levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and zonisamide. Our case highlights a rare form of autonomic seizures with piloerection and chills as cardinal features, originating from the right amygdala and hippocampus. sEEG confirmed seizure onset in these regions, and cortical stimulation reliably reproduced symptoms. This work reinforces the role of mesial temporal structures, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, in autonomic seizure semiology."

Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Folic Acid Supplementation and Prevention of Adverse Offspring Outcomes among Women with Epilepsy (AES 2025) - "Exploratory analysis indicated that, within the levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine monotherapy subgroups, folic acid was associated with a reduced risk of composite adverse outcomes and preterm birth. Folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of composite adverse offspring outcomes in ASM-treated pregnancies, specifically at doses exceeding 0.4 mg. No such associations were observed in pregnancies not exposed to ASMs. However, the optimal upper limit of high-dose folic acid supplementation requires further investigation."

Adverse events • Clinical • CNS Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy

Impact of antiseizure medication on thyroid function in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy: A single-center experience (AES 2025) - "ASMs included levetiracetam (41.7%), oxcarbazepine (20.8%), valproic acid (16.7%), lamotrigine (12.5%), and perampanel (8.3%). Our findings suggest that standard-dose ASM monotherapy does not significantly affect thyroid function in pediatric epilepsy patients. These results support the thyroid safety profile of newer ASMs, particularly levetiracetam and lamotrigine, consistent with previous studies."

Clinical • CNS Disorders • Endocrine Disorders • Epilepsy

Expanding the Phenotypic Spectrum: a Rare Presentation of Focal Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in RUBCN-related Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia 15 (AES 2025) - "The seizures are currently well controlled on oxcarbazepine. This study contributes to the characterization of epilepsy and interictal EEG abnormalities in an emerging ultra-rare autophagy disorder, RUBCN-related SCAR15, and adds focal epilepsy to its possible presentations... This study contributes to the characterization of epilepsy and interictal EEG abnormalities in an emerging ultra-rare autophagy disorder, RUBCN-related SCAR15, and adds focal epilepsy to its possible presentations. Given the rarity of this syndrome, the type of associated epilepsy is not well characterized. Generalized seizure semiology and an association with myoclonic epilepsy have been reported in literature."

Alzheimer's Disease • Ataxia • CNS Disorders • Cognitive Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Genetic Disorders • Movement Disorders • Sleep Disorder

Intracranial Electrophysiological Investigation during Cardiac Arrest: A Case Study (AES 2025) - "Analyses included spectral decomposition using Morlet wavelets, power spectrum density (PSD), and functional connectivity by correlating the low frequency fluctuations (0.1-1 Hz) of high-frequency activity (HFA, 70-200 Hz). Admission medications included Oxcarbazepine, Levetiracetam and Lacosamide. Intracranial EEG during the transition to brain death due to cerebral edema showed progressive slowing, increased functional connectivity, and eventual network collapse. The findings may support future biomarker development for improved risk assessment and intervention strategies. This is the first intracranial EEG study to analyze the spectral and network level changes during cardiac arrest and brain death."

Case study • Clinical • Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Depression • Epilepsy • Psychiatry

Safety of Brivaracetam During Pregnancy: A Case Report. (AES 2025) - "The most commonly used ASM during pregnancy includes Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, and Oxcarbazepine, as shown in comparative studies by Cerulli Irelli et al. BRV is FDA approved for focal epilepsy for 1 month and older. This case report is unique since our pregnant patient had generalized epilepsy. So far, our case and case series by Paolini et al."

Case report • Clinical • Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Gynecology • Hypertension

Progressive Hemispheric Atrophy and Movement Disorder in Adult-Onset Rasmussen Encephalitis: A Case Report and Literature Review (AES 2025) - "Her antiseizure regimen was escalated to include levetiracetam 1000 mg three times daily, lacosamide 200 mg twice daily, and divalproex 500 mg three times daily.Over the following five years, she developed aphasia, right-sided dystonia, choreoathetosis, bilateral tremors, parkinsonian features, and vertical nystagmus. Lacosamide was replaced by Oxcarbazepine 600 mg twice daily, but she continued to experience 4–5 generalized tonic-clonic seizures every three months... Adult-onset Rasmussen encephalitis should be considered in adults presenting with progressive unilateral cortical atrophy, drug-resistant focal seizures, and emerging movement or cognitive deficits. Timely initiation of treatment may provide meaningful clinical improvement and significantly enhance quality of life."

Case report • Clinical • IO biomarker • Review • CNS Disorders • Cognitive Disorders • Depression • Dystonia • Epilepsy • Huntington's Disease • Immunology • Movement Disorders • Ophthalmology • Parkinson's Disease • Postpartum Depression • Psychiatry

Expanding the Phenotype of CALM1-Associated LQT14: First Report of Focal Epilepsy (AES 2025) - "Levetiracetam significantly worsened QTc. Oxcarbazepine had no effect on QTc but was stopped due to rash. Lacosamide was initiated at 3 mg/kg/day with seizure control for over 20 months... This case demonstrates a possible association between CALM1-gene function and central nervous system regulation. Calmodulin dysregulation may contribute to epileptogenesis by disrupting calcium signaling and altering the function of voltage-gated ion channels. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of focal epilepsy in a patient with CALM1-associated long QT syndrome type 14 (LQT14), thereby expanding the phenotypic spectrum of CALM1-related disorders to include focal epilepsy."

Cardiovascular • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Ventricular Tachycardia • CALM1 • CALM2

Clusters of Epileptic Spasms in an Adolescent with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Type 1 (AES 2025) - "Facial weakness began at age 3, with scapular winging and shoulder weakness noted by age 15, prompting genetic testing.Focal seizures began at age 5 with characteristics of left arm extension and rhythmic shaking and was treated with oxcarbazepine. This case highlights epileptic spasms as an atypical manifestation in FSHD1, emphasizing the role of prolonged EEG in accurate diagnosis and treatment."

CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Movement Disorders • Muscular Dystrophy • Otorhinolaryngology • DUX4

Predicting Seizure Worsening During Pregnancy in Women with Epilepsy: A Machine Learning Model Based on Antiseizure Drug Levels and Hormonal Profiles (AES 2025) - "We included female patients with epilepsy who met the diagnostic criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy, received monotherapy or polytherapy with lamotrigine (LTG), levetiracetam (LEV), or oxcarbazepine (OXC), and completed follow-up and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) throughout the peripregnancy period. Declining ASM concentrations during pregnancy are linked to increased seizure risk, with estradiol and progesterone further influencing this risk—particularly through potential modulation of LTG efficacy. Integrating pharmacokinetic and hormonal data into machine learning models enables individualized seizure risk prediction and treatment optimization in pregnant women with epilepsy."

Clinical • Machine learning • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Idiopathic generalized epilepsies exacerbated by sodium channel blockers: a 10-case analysis for the reasons and consequences of misuse (AES 2025) - "Oxcarbazepine was prescribed to 7 patients and was the first ASM in 2 patients, carbamazepine to 2 patients and lacosamide to 1 patient...There was also EEG worsening, including multifocal spikes in 8 and fast rhythmic activity in 6 cases.Discontinuation of SCBs and optimization of ASMs to valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, perampanel or clobazam resulted in seizure control in 9 patients after a median time of 9.5 months... SCBs exacerbate seizures and EEG abnormalities in IGEs. Focal EEG features and atypical semiology can lead to the misuse of SCBs. Adherence to IGE treatment guidelines, which involve avoiding SCBs and prioritizing broad-spectrum ASMs, is essential to prevent disease progression and reduce the healthcare burden."

Clinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Long-Term Efficacy of Lacosamide in the Treatment of Early-Onset Epilepsy: A Case Series (AES 2025) - "All patients presented in SE that was unresponsive to standard first-line therapies including lorazepam, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, and in some cases, oxcarbazepine or levetiracetam. This case series supports the safety and potential efficacy of lacosamide in managing early-onset epilepsy, particularly in infants presenting with refractory SE. The rapid resolution of seizures and the absence of cardiac conduction abnormalities, combined with favorable long-term outcomes, suggest that lacosamide may be a valuable addition to the early treatment algorithm for infantile epilepsy2. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm these findings and to establish optimal dosing protocols in this vulnerable population."

Clinical • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

The epileptology of Malan Syndrome: Are we missing seizures in intellectual disability-overgrowth syndromes? (AES 2025) - "Oxcarbazepine (4/12), eslicarbazepine (1/12), and levetiracetam (5/12) were the most effective ASMs. One-third of individuals with Malan syndrome have seizures. All had focal-onset seizures, associated with convulsive status epilepticus and drug-resistance in some. ASMs used to treat focal-onset seizures were effective."

Autism Spectrum Disorder • CNS Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Genetic Disorders • Mental Retardation • Mood Disorders • Psychiatry

Cenobamate in Generalized Epilepsies: Case Reports in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and PCDH19-Related Epilepsy (AES 2025) - "We present two cases demonstrating significant clinical response to off-label cenobamate use in generalized epilepsy syndromes. Retrospective case series of two females with drug-resistant generalized epilepsy syndromes treated with off-label cenobamate. Case 1 (JME): A 22-year-old female with JME experienced absence, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCs) refractory to multiple ASMs, including valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, and zonisamide...Trials of oxcarbazepine, zonisamide, and lacosamide failed; VNS and cannabidiol (Epidiolex) offered partial benefit... These cases highlight the promising role of cenobamate as an off-label adjunctive treatment in refractory generalized epilepsies. In both patients, cenobamate significantly reduced seizure frequency and allowed withdrawal or dose reduction of prior ASMs with unfavorable side-effect profiles. Given its favorable pharmacodynamic profile and real-world efficacy, further clinical trials are..."

Case report • Clinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • Alopecia • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Movement Disorders

International Consensus on the Evaluation and Management of Hypothalamic Hamartomas: Results from a Modified Delphi Survey (AES 2025) - "Treatment: A plurality (not consensus) recommended oxcarbazepine/carbamazepine or levetiracetam/brivaracetam as 1st-line antiseizure medications (ASM). This Delphi process highlights an international consensus on aspects of HH management. Agreement included the importance of gelastic/dacrystic seizures. A 3T epilepsy protocol MRI is essential."

CNS Disorders • Depression • Epilepsy • Psychiatry

Response to Anti-seizure Medications in Children Carrying Novel or Previously Reported HCN1 Gene Variants. (AES 2025) - "Levetiracetam (LEV) was the most frequently used drug, and of ASMs with at least three exposures, cannabidiol (CBD) the least used...However, clobazam (CLB) and valproate (VPA) demonstrated significantly better efficacy, with VPA the most effective of all ASMs...Two ASMs caused worsening of seizure frequency: LTG and oxcarbazepine (OXC). Other ASMs perceived as having no benefit were lacosamide (LAC), phenobarbital (PB), vigabatrin (VGB), and carbamazepine (CBZ). The one subject who was deceased due to SE was being treated at the time with LTG and topiramate (TPM). We report eight novel HCN1 variants... We report eight novel HCN1 variants. Of these, variants mapping to an ion channel transmembrane domain caused more severe phenotypes. In subjects with epilepsy, LTG and OXC exacerbated seizure frequency whereas VPA and CLB improved it, with two subjects becoming seizure-free after exposure to these ASMs."

Clinical • CNS Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Psychiatry