Levetiracetam for Benign Rolandic Epilepsy

Efficacy of Levetiracetam for Language Dysfunction Associated With Benign Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spikes

This study is designed to test if the language problems commonly seen in children with benign rolandic epilepsy would improve by switching anticonvulsants to levetiracetam.

This is a 6 month study in which children on another anticonvulsant would have EEG, language testing, and a clinic visit at baseline. They would then be rapidly transitioned off of their current anticonvulsant and onto levetiracetam (Keppra). Repeat EEG and language testing would be done after 6 months to evaluate for improvement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 6-12
• Benign rolandic epilepsy
• Language difficulties as reported by parents or teachers
• On another anticonvulsant other than levetiracetam

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior use of levetiracetam
• On 2 or more anticonvulsants
• Language problems prior to epilepsy
• Another seizure disorder
• Status epilepticus within the past 6 months
• Significant psychiatric disease
• Progressive neurologic disease