Migraine

Have you heard of the following side effect from an anticonvulsant?

I went to a hand doctor today because of a lump I have on my palm. He diagnosed me with a hand disease. In my research, I only have two items on the increased risk of developing this disease. First I am of northern European heritage (this is defined as Irish, English, Scottish, Welsh, Scandinavian, etc) and second I am taking an anticonvulsant medication (I have also seen this defined as being treated for epilepsy).

I don't have any of the many other higher risk factors such as family history, male, diabetes, alcoholism, smoker, trauma or thyroid problems. This disease is not very common and no one in my family has had it before. It is a thickening of the tissues below the skin in the palm which can start to pull one or more fingers down into a bent position and the treatment can sometimes be worse than the disease.

The only controllable higher risk factor I had was taking an anticonvulsant medication. Has anyone else ever heard of this lump on the palm or contracture of fingers from an anticonvulsant?

Hi Snickers,

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with your hands. Is it also called Dupuytren’s disease?

The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is not clearly understood. The disease seems be inherited and may begin without any clear cut reason. It may be associated with certain biochemical factors within the involved fascia. I found this from a little research too. I did not however, find anything about antiseizure medications and this condition.

I've seen the anticonvulsant connection on a few sites including a Hand Specialist's website, webmd, yahoo and other websites usually under their risk factors.

I just thought it was odd because when I was talking with my parents, they had never heard of anyone in our family having anything like this and afterward is when I found the anticonvulsant risk factor.

Thanks for your reply Nancy.