[Five years after a first epileptic seizure appearing late in life]

A first epileptic seizure in adulthood leads to fear a brain tumor and other important features of late epilepsies have received little attention. We have analyzed the etiologies in a group of 392 patients consecutively seen from 1977 to 1980. Our data are in keeping with previously reported data. One hundred and eighty patients were followed for five years or more. Fifty eight had only a single seizure (only 23 were treated, and 20 stopped therapy). Seizures recurred in 122 patients (97 untreated). The characteristics of recurrence have been analyzed. Some predictive factors appear significant. Socio-professional results have been considered. By and large, the prognosis was good for 75 p. 100 of patients.