Practice parameter: Anticonvulsant prophylaxis in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors [RETIRED]

Overview. The Quality Standards Subcommittee seeks to develop scientifically sound, clinically relevant practice parameters for the practice of neurology. Practice parameters are strategies for patient management that assist physicians in clinical decision making. A practice parameter is one or more specific recommendations based on analysis of evidence on a specific clinical problem. These might include diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, or procedure evaluation. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) members have requested the publication of a practice parameter on the use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Justification. ] However, discomfort, expense, and inconvenience result from drug treatment and periodic monitoring of serum drug concentrations. Typical anticonvulsant-induced side effects, including cognitive impairment, myelosuppression, liver dysfunction, and dermatologic reactions (ranging from minor rashes to life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome), appear to occur more frequently in patients with brain tumors than in other patient groups, A spectrum of side effects unique to patients with brain tumors must also be considered. Phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital reduce the efficacy of corticosteroids, 3] 1] [53]