Effects of valproic acid and levetiracetam monotherapy on balance functions in patients with generalized epilepsy

• Published in: Epilepsy & behavior 2024-02, Vol.151, p.109622-109622, Article 109622
• Main Authors: Cengiz, Deniz Uğur, Çolak, Sanem Can, Özdemir, Emre Akgün, Adıgüzel, Ahmet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Balance; Generalized epilepsy; Levetiracetam; Valproic acid; Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test; Video head impulse test
• ISSN: 1525-5050; 1525-5069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109622

•This is the first study to examine the effect of valproic acid and levetiracetam monotherapy on vestibulocular and vestibulocolic reflexes in patients with generalized epilepsy using objective test methods.•Valproic acid and levetiracetam have a negative effect on the high-frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex.•Valproic acid and levetiracetam have a negative effect on otolith functions.•Valproic acid and levetiracetam have a negative effect on the vestibulocholic reflex.•Compared to levetiracetam the effect of valproic acid on balance functions is more pronounced. It is reported that antiepileptic drugs have an effect on balance functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of valproic acid and levetiracetam monotherapy on balance functions in patients with generalized epilepsy using objective test methods. The study included 43 generalized epilepsy patients aged 18–60 years, including 20 patients receiving valproic acid monotherapy, 23 patients receiving levetiracetam monotherapy, and 25 healthy individuals as controls, in the Neurology Clinic of a university hospital in eastern Turkey. The demographic data form was filled out and the Video Head Impulse Test and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials test were performed. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the groups in lateral, posterior, and anterior semicircular canal gains and RALP and LARP asymmetry values in the V-HIT test (p