Title:A Probable Topiramate-induced Limbs Paraesthesia and Rigid Fingers Flexion
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Author(s): Andrea Domenico Pratico*, Martino Ruggieri, Raffaele Falsaperla and Piero Pavone
Affiliation:
- Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Univesity of Catania, Catania,Italy
Keywords:
Topiramate, levetiracetam, side-effect, paraesthesia, rigid flexion, naranjo score.
Abstract: Introduction: Topiramate is a well-known anticonvulsant drug with a broad spectrum of
actions. It has been proposed in the treatment of several types of epileptic seizures both in
monotherapy and in add-on. Its usage has been extended to other disorders including migraine,
essential tremor, obesity, alcohol and drug addiction.
The most frequent side-effects of topiramate include dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, and ataxia.
Paraesthesia, metabolic acidosis, kidney stones, hypohidrosis, cognitive impairment and eye symptoms
have also been reported.
Case Report: We report on a girl affected by epileptic seizures treated with levetiracetam for five
years. Due to worsening of the seizures, the dosage of this drug was increased and afterwards lowdosage
topiramate was initiated. After 12 days from the introduction of topiramate, the girl began to
present neurologic signs including limbs rigidity, pain, incoordination and flexed fingers. Gradual
withdrawn of the topiramate resulted in progressive resolution of the symptomatology. This clinical
episode could represent a probable topiramate-related side effect (Naranjo score 5), never reported
before in this form.
