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Triggers and techniques in termination of partial seizures
Jenna Dionisio1, William O Tatum
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Many epilepsy patients recognize seizure triggers and over a third believe they can self-terminate seizures. Common methods include resting and taking extra medication, offering insights into seizure management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Patient-reported outcomes
Background:
- Growing interest in seizure prediction for novel antiepileptic therapies.
- Limited research on patient self-termination of seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient recognition of seizure onset, predictability, and self-termination techniques.
- To assess the effectiveness and perspectives of self-managed seizure termination.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 223 outpatients with epilepsy who recognize seizure onset.
- Prospective assessment of seizure prediction, self-termination techniques, and effectiveness.
- Data collected on predictability, timing, methods used, and patient/physician beliefs.
Main Results:
- 60% reported auras; 74% identified triggers (stress, sleep deprivation, missed medication).
- 17% felt they could predict seizure onset; 22% reported some ability to self-terminate.
- Self-termination methods were effective in 35% of patients, primarily resting or taking extra medication.
Conclusions:
- Most partial seizure patients recognize triggers and over a third believe they can effectively self-terminate seizures.
- Resting and taking extra medication are common self-termination strategies.
- Correlating seizure onset symptoms with termination methods may enhance seizure prediction sensitivity.
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