A 16-year-old boy presents with brief myoclonic jerks upon awakening, which have occurred for 6 months. Yesterday he had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. EEG shows 4-6 Hz polyspike-and-wave discharges. Which medication is contraindicated in this condition?

• A Valproic acid
• B Levetiracetam
• C Lamotrigine
• D Carbamazepine ✓

Explanation

The diagnosis is Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. Carbamazepine can exacerbate myoclonic and absence seizures and is generally contraindicated in idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Valproic acid is the most effective drug for JME, though levetiracetam and lamotrigine are alternatives.

Reference: Clinical Epilepsy (ELAZAR AND CHAVEZ), 1st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.