The role of prophylactic anticonvulsants in moderate to severe head injury

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic seizures cause secondary brain injury, contributing to morbidity and mortality after traumatic brain injury. Seizure activity may be undetectable if the patient is paralysed and ventilated. AIMS: The effect of prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy on the prevention of seizures after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury was studied. METHODS: A structured systematic literature review was performed. RESULTS: There may be a place for prophylactic anticonvulsants in the prophylaxis of early post-traumatic seizures. CONCLUSION: Further randomised controlled trials are needed to firmly establish the benefits of prophylactic anticonvulsants.