Effects of vigabatrin on evoked potentials in epileptic patients.

Abstract

1. Somatosensory (SEP) brainstem auditory (BAEP) and visual (VEP) evoked potentials were determined before and after add‐on administration of vigabatrin (GVG) in patients with epilepsy. 2. At pre‐ treatment assessment SEP and BAEP parameters were usually found to be within normal limits, while P100 latencies of the VEP were abnormally prolonged in a considerable proportion of patients. 3. In a double‐ blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 22 patients GVG (1‐3 g day‐1 stratified according to body weight) given for 7 weeks did not modify any of the evoked potential parameters evaluated. 4. Eighteen patients were evaluated prospectively at regular intervals during long‐term GVG (2‐4 g day‐1) therapy with a mean follow up of 24 months (range 13‐42 months). SEP, BAEP and especially VEP parameters showed some interindividual variability, but the within patient variation was relatively small. No consistent important changes were seen in association with GVG, although a possible trend towards a shortening of BAEP latencies and P100 latencies was observed. 5. The relevance of these findings with respect to GVG safety is discussed. 1989 The British Pharmacological Society