ABSTRACT

Lafora disease (LD) is a progressive myoclonus epilepsy with autosomal recessive inheritance. Clinical course is progressive and includes myoclonic, cerebellar, and extrapyramidal signs, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and cognitive decline. Valproic acid, zonisamide, levetiracetam, clonazepam, and piracetam are among the treatment options. Carbamazepine (CBZ), oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine (LM) should be avoided to prevent worsening of symptoms. Though evidence is limited, perampanel is the only drug to achieve sustained improvement in frequency of seizures, and effective control of neurological and cognitive decline in patients with LD. Described in the present report is a case of typical LD with clinical worsening on CBZ and LM treatment. Electroencephalographic and pathologic findings are reported.

Keywords: Lafora disease, perampanel, progressive myoclonic epilepsy