Abstract
The effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenobarbital (PB), alone and in association, on the function of specific brain structures was studied in chronically treated epileptic patients by means of saccadic eye movements (SEMs) analysis. The relationship between daily fluctuations of CBZ plasma levels and the occurrence of intermittent side effects was also evaluated. All treatments produced a significant impairment (p <0.001) of SEM function as compared with a group of controls. SEM abnormalities appeared to change in relation to daily fluctuation of CBZ plasma levels. When the SEM parameters were considered separately, PB showed a significantly (p <0.001) more relevant sedative effect, whereas both drugs appear to produce the same effect on cerebellar and pontine functions. Although impairment of SEM function was most likely far from reaching clinical significance, it represents important information for the clinician.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 62-66 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Epilepsia |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 1989 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience(all)