MAINTENANCE THERAPY FOR THE ROUTINE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL EPILEPTIC PATIENT

摘要

Deciding on a treatment plan for an animal with seizures depends on a number of factors, including the suspected etiologic cause of the seizures, the frequency and severity of the observed seizures, and the financial constraints or intentions of the owner. If an underlying cause of the seizures is known or suspected, it should be appropriately addressed, if possible. Thus, animals with hypoglycemia or electrolyte abnormalities may require no therapy other than correction of these deficiencies (or excesses). Likewise, patients with hepatic encephalopathy, hypertriglyceridemia or various intoxications may not require long-term anticonvulsant therapy if the primary disease is appropriately addressed, although they may benefit from shorter-term treatment with these drugs. In some cases, damage to the brain may lead to acquired (probably symptomatic) epilepsy, requiring long-term treatment.