Recovery of visual field constriction following discontinuation of vigabatrin

Seizure. 2000 Jun;9(4):287-90. doi: 10.1053/seiz.2000.0397.

Abstract

Epilepsy patients treated with vigabatrin may develop symptomatic or asymptomatic concentric visual field constriction due to GABA-associated retinal dysfunction. The prevalence and course of this side effect are not established yet; in previously reported adult patients the visual disturbances seem to be irreversible. We present two patients with a significant improvement of visual field constriction and retinal function after the discontinuation of vigabatrin. These findings suggest that vigabatrin-associated retinal changes are at least partly reversible in some patients, and that these patients may benefit significantly from a withdrawal of vigabatrin. Larger scale clinical studies are needed to identify predictive factors both for the occurrence and reversibility of vigabatrin-associated visual field defects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Vigabatrin / adverse effects*
  • Visual Fields / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase
  • Vigabatrin