EEG observations in elderly with new onset seizures: from developing country perspective

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Epileptology

Background:

• New onset seizures in the elderly are a significant clinical challenge.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating seizure disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze electroencephalography (EEG) patterns in elderly individuals experiencing new onset seizures.
• To correlate EEG findings with clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 201 elderly patients (mean age 68.0 ± 7.5 years) with new onset seizures.
• Collected data included clinical history, laboratory results, routine EEG, and neuroimaging (CT and MRI).

Main Results:

• Scalp EEG was abnormal in 61.7% of patients, with epileptiform activities observed in one third.
• Abnormal EEG findings were associated with female gender, lower Glasgow coma scale scores, and lower alpha-wave frequency.
• Epileptiform activity predicted the need for polytherapy.

Conclusions:

• Approximately two thirds of elderly patients with new onset seizures exhibit abnormal scalp EEG findings.
• Abnormal EEG results, particularly lower Glasgow coma scale scores, are significant indicators for prognostication in this population.