[Effect of environmental factors on prevalence of epileptic seizures]

A decreased convulsant threshold is found in 10% of human population. This population is at higher risk of epileptic seizure in the case of exposure to harmful factors at working place or outside it. The following harmful factors should be taken into consideration: 1. traumas, 2. physical agents (high temperature, electrocution, specific sensory stimuli), 3. toxic agents (organic solvents, organophosphorus compounds, lead, alcohol, some drugs and narcotics). Therefore, detection of the decreased convulsant threshold and gathering knowledge about potential epileptogenic factors at working places and in community environment should become one of the goals for medical personnel dealing with occupational problems. The authors recommend to perform pre-employment EEG examination whenever an increased risk of epileptic seizure is suspected in a given person following an interview and information on working conditions. It is also recommended to supplement work safety and hygiene instructions.