Seizure in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimmunology
• Epileptology

Background:

• Reported seizure frequencies in multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibit wide variation.
• This study investigates seizure prevalence and characteristics in a large MS cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of seizure activity in definite multiple sclerosis patients.
• To analyze the clinical and demographic characteristics of seizures in MS.
• To evaluate the impact of MS on seizure presentation and management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for definite MS patients.
• Data collected from Kashani hospital's MS Clinic between 2007 and 2011.
• Analysis of seizure types, EEG findings, MRI, MS duration, and treatment response.

Main Results:

• 3.69% of 920 MS patients had seizure activity; 3.15% after excluding other causes.
• Generalized seizures were most common (79.3%).
• Abnormal EEG (84.6%) and subcortical white matter lesions on MRI (84.6%) were frequent. Mean MS duration was 8.17 years; mean interval to first seizure was 3.7 years.

Conclusions:

• Seizures are a recognized complication of multiple sclerosis.
• Seizures can manifest at any disease stage but are more prevalent in early MS.
• Antiepileptic treatment demonstrates high efficacy in managing seizures in MS patients.