Management of epilepsia partialis continua: A systematic review

Purpose

Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is form of focal motor status epilepticus, with limited guidelines regarding effective pharmacological management. This systematic review aimed to describe previously utilized pharmacological management strategies for EPC, with a focus on patient outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS was performed from inception to May 2024. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO.

Results

Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies were case series, and in total included 51 patients. The mortality rate was 11.8 % (6/51). The use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of EPC was common; however, seizures recurred following first-line benzodiazepines in all described cases. Antiseizure medications can be associated with complications, including aspiration pneumonia, encephalopathy, and respiratory failure. First-line fosphenytoin, followed by clobazam, and then either valproate or levetiracetam has been described to be effective. Described cases also support the earlier use of levetiracetam. Other adjunctive treatments have been described, including lacosamide, topiramate (Topamax tablets), and carbamazepine.

Conclusion

Despite treatment, EPC typically lasts at least hours, and often days or longer. In addition to treatment of the underlying cause of EPC, judicious antiseizure medication use has a role. However, care should be taken not to cause harm (such as respiratory depression) with antiseizure medications, particularly noting that seizures are likely to be prolonged irrespective of antiseizure medication choice.