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[Epilepsy in the elderly].
Naoki Akamatsu1, Akihiro Tanaka, Mitsuhiko Yamano
1Department of Medical Technology and Sciences, School of Medical Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|February 13, 2015
Summary
Epilepsy affects 11.2% of elderly hospitalized patients in Japan. Most cases involved complex partial seizures, with good response to antiepileptic drugs, indicating lower epileptogenicity in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Context:
- The elderly population is rapidly growing worldwide.
- Epilepsy in older adults presents unique challenges and health concerns.
- Previous research on late-onset epilepsy prevalence is limited.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of epilepsy in elderly hospitalized patients in Fukuoka, Japan.
- To characterize epilepsy in patients aged 65 years and older.
- To investigate the types of seizures, diagnoses, and treatment responses in this demographic.
Summary:
- A study of 743 hospitalized elderly patients in Fukuoka, Japan, found an epilepsy prevalence of 11.2%.
- Complex partial seizures without secondary generalization were most common, with temporal lobe epilepsy being the frequent diagnosis.
- Cerebrovascular disease was a significant etiological factor, and 66.7% showed focal epileptiform discharges on EEG.
- Elderly patients demonstrated relatively low epileptogenicity and responded well to antiepileptic monotherapy, with 52 patients seizure-free for over a year.
Impact:
- This study highlights the significant prevalence of epilepsy in the elderly, underscoring its importance as a health issue.
- Findings provide valuable insights into the clinical characteristics and management of late-onset epilepsy.
- Results suggest that epilepsy in the elderly may be manageable with appropriate antiepileptic treatment.
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