A range of antiepileptic drugs do not affect the recovery of consciousness in vegetative and minimally conscious states

► Most antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have cognitive effects. ► Vegetative and minimally conscious (VS-MCS) patients are often medicated with AEDs. ► We evaluated the role of AEDs on the recovery of 103 VS and MCS patients. ► After 3 months, the level of consciousness was not affected by AED therapy. ► This result did not change depending on etiology or when considering VS or MCS only.