2023 Pharmacology Update for APPs-Seizure Prophylaxis: When is it Necessary? (Danielle Schulingkamp, RPh, BCPS, BCCP)

Seizure Prophylaxis: When is it Necessary? (Danielle Schulingkamp, RPh, BCPS, BCCP)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses the indications, selection, and duration of prophylaxis in different neurologic conditions, focusing particularly on traumatic brain injury (TBI). It mentions that prophylaxis may be indicated in cases of head trauma, subdural hematoma, stroke, and tumors, as well as after certain procedures. The video emphasizes the importance of guidelines and evidence-based recommendations in decision making. It highlights the Brain Trauma Foundation's level 2A recommendation for early initiation of prophylaxis for post-traumatic seizures. The video also explores different pharmacological agents for prophylaxis, including phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, and levotiracetam. It discusses the pharmacology and side effects of these agents, and notes that phenytoin is the most studied but that comparative data show no significant difference in efficacy between phenytoin and levotiracetam. The video concludes by mentioning the importance of considering concomitant medications that can lower the seizure threshold and contribute to early post-traumatic seizures despite prophylaxis.

Keywords

prophylaxis

neurologic conditions

traumatic brain injury

post-traumatic seizures

pharmacological agents

comparative data