Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most common neurobehavioral disorder
in children and frequently associated with epilepsy. For patients with both conditions,
methylphenidate remains a mainstay in the treatment of behavioral problems. Most studies
demonstrate that methylphenidate is effective in treating children with well-controlled
epilepsy, and that methylphenidate does not increase the risk of having seizures in
patients with EEG abnormalities without epilepsy. However, in patients with active
seizures, the results are somewhat contradictory. This article presents the case of
a young girl with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavioral problems
on Depakote (valproic acid) who had an abnormal EEG with left centroparietal spikes
but no history of electrographic seizures. She experienced a convulsion the day after
her first dose of methylphenidate, and repeat EEG demonstrated continuous spike and
slow wave during sleep. This case report suggests that children with continuous spike
and slow wave during sleep may have a higher risk of developing seizures with methylphenidate
treatment.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 31,
2012
Received:
October 9,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
