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Published on: September 20, 2024
Reflex epilepsies; clinical and demographic characteristics in a tropical country
1Ratnapura General Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. udaya.senerviratne@svhm.org.au
Background:
This study is aimed at defining the clinical spectrum and demographic aspects of reflex epilepsy in a tropical country in Asia.
Methods:
We studied 526 consecutive patients with epilepsy. Details of seizure provoking factors were obtained from direct interviews and medical records.
Results:
Of the 526 patients, 47(8.9%) were found to be having reflex epilepsy. There were 25(53.2%) males and 22(46.8%) females. Family history of epilepsy and reflex epilepsy were found in 8(17%) and 3(6.4%) respectively. Provoking factors were, eating (34%), higher cerebral functions (17%), bathing (10.6%), photosensitivity (8.5%), startle induced (4.3%), and mixed (more than one of the above: 25.5%). Seizures were provoked by above factors, exclusively in 10 (21.3%), mostly (more than 50% occasions) in 10 (21.3%), and sometimes (less than 50% occasions) in 27 (57.4%) patients. The type of seizure was complex partial evolving to generalized in 23 (48.9%), complex partial in 10 (21.3%), and generalized in 14 (29.8%).
Conclusion:
Our study highlights geographical differences in the spectrum of reflex epilepsy.
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