Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
Pathophysiological considerations of seizures, epilepsy, and status epilepticus in the elderly
Rebecca M Verellen1, Jose E Cavazos
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
Abstract:
Acute seizures, epilepsy and status epilepticus have the highest incidences in those over the age of 60 as compared to all other age groups. The most common etiological factors for epilepsy in the elderly are related to cerebrovascular disease. Diagnosing epilepsy in the elderly is challenging because of the subtle manifestations of partial seizures and the presence of age related cognitive difficulties, co-morbid conditions, and medications. Epilepsy treatment in this population is also difficult due to age related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as individual variability. There are considerable gaps of knowledge about the basic pathophysiological mechanisms of recurrent partial onset seizures in the aged brain. This article critically reviews pathophysiological considerations that might impact the scientific approach of experimental research modeling of unprovoked seizures and epilepsy in elderly individuals, and the limited experimental epilepsy research on aged models.
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...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Seizures l: Introduction
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
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:

