Management of myoclonic seizures

Pharmacological treatment of myoclonic seizures

First-line treatment in children, young people and adults with myoclonic seizures

• sodium valproate should be offered as first-line treatment to children, young people and adults with newly diagnosed myoclonic seizures, unless it is unsuitable. Follow the MHRA safety advice on sodium valproate
• levetiracetam or topiramate should be considered if sodium valproate is unsuitable or not tolerated. Be aware that topiramate has a less favourable side-effect profile than levetiracetam and sodium valproate. Follow the MHRA safety advice on sodium valproate

Adjunctive treatment in children, young people and adults with myoclonic seizures

• levetiracetam, sodium valproate or topiramate should be offered as adjunctive treatment to children, young people and adults with myoclonic seizures if first-line treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. Follow the MHRA safety advice on sodium valproate

Reference:

• NICE (April 2018). Epilepsies: diagnosis and management