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09:57
Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
[Epilepsy in the elderly].
1Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan. aihide@ndmc.ac.jp
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|March 31, 2007
Summary
Epilepsy incidence rises significantly in the elderly, often linked to cerebrovascular disease. Treatment requires careful management of comorbidities and medications for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy incidence traditionally thought highest in childhood.
- Recent studies show a marked increase in epilepsy incidence among the elderly.
- An estimated 1% of the elderly population experiences epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and management of epilepsy in the elderly.
- To highlight challenges in diagnosing and treating geriatric epilepsy.
- To discuss optimal anti-epileptic drug strategies for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent epidemiologic studies on geriatric epilepsy.
- Analysis of common etiologies and seizure manifestations in the elderly.
- Discussion of treatment considerations including comorbidities and pharmacokinetics.
Main Results:
- Cerebrovascular disease is the most frequent cause of geriatric epilepsy.
- Atypical complex partial seizures with prolonged postictal confusion are common, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Polytherapy and age-related pharmacokinetic changes complicate treatment.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric epilepsy diagnosis and management require specialized approaches.
- Individualized dosing and minimizing polypharmacy are crucial for safe anti-epileptic drug use.
- Newer anti-epileptic drugs like gabapentin and levetiracetam show better tolerability in the elderly.
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