Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Epilepsy in the elderly
Suzette M LaRoche1, Sandra L Helmers
1Department of Neurology, Emory University, Altanta, GA 30322, USA.
Background:
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases that affect the elderly population. Underlying etiologies as well as diagnostic and treatment issues vary from that of younger adults and deserve special consideration.
Review Summary:
The substantially increased risk of seizures and epilepsy in the elderly is associated with medical conditions that affect this group such as stroke, dementia, and metabolic disturbances. In addition, there is an increased incidence and associated mortality of status epilepticus among seniors. Distinguishing epilepsy from paroxysmal nonepileptic events can be a particular challenge. As in the general adult population, EEG and MRI are the cornerstones of diagnostic assessment; however, the clinician must be aware of nonspecific changes associated with aging that do not necessarily indicate an underlying predisposition for epilepsy. Finally, there are unique challenges to the treatment of epilepsy in this population, but fortunately there are multiple treatment options available, including nonpharmacological therapies.
Conclusions:
Knowledge of the unique challenges in identifying and treating the elderly patient with epilepsy is important for effective management as well as maximizing quality of life. However, further studies in this area are still needed to establish optimal treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Epilepsy ll: Types
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures l: Introduction
Seizures ll: Types
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
