Background:This study aimed to determine the effects of perampanel on the nervous system using commonly performed neurophysiological tests.

Methods:Twelve healthy adult males underwent electroencephalogram and measurements of median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and brainstem auditory evoked potentials before and after ingesting 6 mg of perampanel. The pre- and postadministration data were cross-compared and then correlated with serum perampanel levels and reported side effects.

Results:After ingesting 6 mg of perampanel there was a statistically significant increase in the P100 latency of VEPs elicited using a 64 × 64 checkerboard pattern (p = 0.027) and a decrease in the N20 latency of median nerve SSEPs (p = 0.033). Reported side effects were not correlated with the serum perampanel level or statistically significant latency changes.

Conclusions:This study is the first to explore the effects of perampanel on results obtained in neurophysiological tests. Our findings indicate that perampanel increases sensory conduction, as evidenced by a decrease in N20 latency. Perampanel may additionally interfere with visual processing, in part by prolonging P100. Further studies with larger samples and various doses are needed to clarify these findings.