Data generated from this pilot project will be used to support a larger, NIH funded study to
investigate the physiologic mechanisms associated with the cognitive side effects of a
commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED), topiramate (TPM). This study will provide pilot
data to 1) demonstrate the viability of using quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) to
examining physiological effects of AEDs as they relate to language function, and 2) perform
formal power estimate calculations in support of a longer-term connectivity study using
stochastic modeling techniques including power, coherence, and Granger causality metrics to
analyze AED effects on quantitative EEG. Traditionally, the cognitive side effects of AEDs
have been considered a byproduct of decreased neuronal excitation associated with medical
therapy, although recent data suggests that this may not be true for some newer medications,
such as TPM. The proposed experiments will employ quantitative EEG to investigate the effects
of topiramate on neuronal network connectivity and pharmacokinetic/pharmacogenetic
relationships in order to explore individual physiological responses. Topiramate is selected
because of its relatively unique effects on generative verbal fluency, but unlike older AEDs,
TPM is associated with little EEG change. The investigators will compare the effects of TPM
to baseline and an inactive placebo in a randomized double blind crossover design.