Treatment with levetiracetam in a patient with pervasive developmental disorders, severe intellectual disability, self-injurious behavior, and seizures: A case report

Abstract

Pervasive developmental disorder is characterized by various symptoms that often include self-injurious behavior (SIB). Episodes of SIB occur in the context of high emotional arousal, anger, or fear and may be related to epilepsy. We report the case of a 20-year-old man with pervasive developmental disorder presenting with SIB non-responsive to antipsychotic medication. Positron emission tomography showed a right temporoparietal hypometabolic focal lesion suggestive of an epileptic focus. Two weeks after initiation of levetiracetam (Keppra®), SIB disappeared, without recurrence 24 months later. Levetiracetam (Keppra®) may be beneficial for such patients.

Keywords:

• PDD
• ID
• Seizure
• Self injurious behavior
• PET imaging
• Levetiracetam

Acknowledgments

We thank the nurse's team for the careful clinical observation, the patient's family for their availability, and the Fondation Handicap Mental et Societé for the encouragement provided. We also wish to thank Dr. G. Foletti and Dr. M. Seeck for their helpful advice, Mrs. Genevieve Nicoud for her support in bibliography, and Federico Carminati for technical assistance.