April 19, 2010

AAN: Epilepsy a Special Problem in Nursing Homes

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Blood levels of epilepsy drugs in nursing home residents can fluctuate wildly for no apparent reason, a researcher said here. 

 

Joseph Drazkowski, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., said the findings wouldn't be entirely surprising to many neurologists. 

 

"We've kind of felt that over the years that the older people have a lot of variability," he said.

 

"What the implications are, though, are uncertain and I think that's the next step for this study," said Drazkowski, who was not involved with the research. "If you have this variability, does it translate into toxicity, or into increased seizures or whatever you're using these medications to treat, or is it just a measurement thing?"

 

MedPage Today, by John Gever, April 17, 2010

Tags: Mayo Clinic Arizona, Neurology

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