Effects of Amantadine Therapy on Seizure Development in the Patients with Brain Injury and Stroke

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence and risk factors of seizure development during amantadine therapy for the patients with brain injury and stroke. METHOD: Thirty subjects (15 subjects with traumatic brain injuries and 15 subjects with strokes) who received a 4-week trial of amantadine from 100 mg/day to 400 mg/day were included. Control group, 40 patients (20 subjects with traumatic brain injuries and 20 subjects with strokes), did not take any brain stimulant. There were no differences in number, age, lesion area, and cognitive levels between two groups. Incidence of seizure in two groups was evaluated. RESULTS: Seizure occurred in 9 subjects in therapy group (30%) and in 1 subject in control group (2.5%). There was higher incidence of seizure in the group treated with amantadine than in the control group. In therapy group, most of the seizures occurred in high dose of 400 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Amantadine in high dose appeared to be associated with higher incidence of seizure. This study suggested that administration of amantadine in high dose in management of brain injury and stroke should be accompanied with careful monitoring of seizure.