An Evaluation of Anti-Epileptic Treatment in People with Mental Handicap

The anti-epileptic drugs, carbamazepine and sodium valproate, were used to control generalised seizures (tonic clonic) and absence seizures in people with mental handicap in Brock-hall Hospital, who were not well-controlled with other drugs like phenobarbitone, phenytoin and primidone. The results indicated that the number of seizures decreased dramatically with these newer anti-convulsants and without the need for polypharmacy, as was the norm previously. In addition, nurses' ratings of the patients suggested a reduction in the number of problem behaviour towards other patients and staff, and more amenable and pleasant behaviour.