Levetiracetam or Pregabalin in Treating Seizures in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy For Primary Brain Tumors

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Diagnosis of primary brain tumor
• * WHO grade II-IV disease
• Undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
• No brain tumor without the potential need for chemotherapy (e.g., meningioma without anaplastic features)
• Has had at least one seizure provoked by the brain tumor, justifying introduction of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment
• * No status epilepticus
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Modified Rankin score \< 4 at study enrollment
• Life expectancy ≥ 4 weeks
• Not pregnant
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No known intolerance to the study drugs
• No pre-existing psychosis and/or current suicidality
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• See Disease Characteristics
• No concurrent IV AEDs other than benzodiazepines
• Other concurrent AEDs, except phenobarbital, allowed provided they are discontinued within 2 weeks after study enrollment