Clobazam monotherapy in drug naı̈ve adult patients with epilepsy

AbstractPurpose: Evaluation of the efficacy and side effects profile of Clobazam in a 24-week open-labelled trial involving 26 cases of drug naı̈ve adult patients with epilepsy.Methods: The study was an open labelled unicentre trial in which only drug naı̈ve cases with epilepsy were included. A total of 26 cases were recruited. One case was dropped because he did not complete the desired follow up. Seizure type and frequency were recorded and follow up was done at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after initiation of therapy. The change in seizure severity, the dose of Clobazam required and development of side effects were recorded.Results: The seizure types included GTCS (n=16), complex partial seizures (n=4), focal motor seizures with secondary generalisation (n=3) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (n=2). Out of 25 patients, 16 (64%) became seizure free, while five (20%) had >50% reduction in their seizure frequency. Thus, these 21 patients (84%) were considered to be well controlled. The commonest side effect seen was sedation, which was noted in 4 of the 25 patients (16%). However, in none of these four patients sedation was significant enough to warrant stoppage of therapy. Weight gain, gait ataxia, loss of short-term memory and breakthrough seizures were noted in one patient each.Conclusions: The efficacy of Clobazam coupled with the lack of significant side effects noted in our study makes it merit consideration as monotherapy in adult patients with epilepsy

Epilepsy and religion

This study has focused on the interplay between epilepsy and religion. A total of 100 patients in the age range of 15-84 years were included in the study. The duration of epilepsy in these patients ranged from 1-35 years. The majority (66%) had generalized seizures and good to complete seizure control (77%). Regarding social/religious beliefs, 6% of the patients attributed their epilepsy to the curse of God and 14% saw their affliction as a form of punishment for bad deeds committed in the current or past life. Epilepsy was regarded as contagious by 13%. After the onset of epilepsy, 7% of the subjects became skeptics and less religious, while 29% became more religious. Only 2% reported mystic experiences. There was, however, no significant impact of the duration of epilepsy or seizure type on the pattern of religiosity. In 44 cases with symptomatic epilepsy, no definite correlation was observed between the lesion site and laterality and the religious temperament. Delay in seeking treatment and poor compliance due to false religious beliefs, ignorance, and superstition was observed in 33%. However, all religious beliefs were not maladaptive and overall, 80% cases felt that religion had helped them in coping with epilepsy