DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i12.016

Pages: 4858-4863

The elderly are fastest growing heterogeneous segment of the population, owing to advanced civilization in developing country like India, constituting nearly 30% of the total population. Epilepsy is defined as the occurrence of at least two unprovoked seizures separated 24 hours apart or a single epileptic seizure in association with an enduring disturbance of the brain capable of giving rise to further seizures. Elderly have the highest prevalence and incidence of epilepsy. Type of presentation, precipitating factors and comorbidities are varied. The resulting treatment and psychosocial outcome are its own kind, henceforth recommend our attention. This study was carried on 100 elderly who presented with an epileptic seizure. Detailed clinical data was obtained; investigations were carried out and managed. Of 100 patients, with mean age of 72yrs, 70% were male, 30% female. Most common presentation was generalized tonic-clonic seizures, followed by simple partial, complex partial, focal with secondary generalization. Various aetiologies identified were cerebro-vascular events, followed by metabolic, acute infections, trauma-subdural hematoma and tumours. 10% had unidentified aetiology. All were started on first line antiepileptics with optimum control and no dose limiting adverse effects. Our subjects had comorbidities and contributing risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke, smoking, and alcoholism. As the population ages, statistics show that clinicians are likely to face more elderly with epilepsy both now and in the future. Epilepsy in the elderly is very different from younger adults, from aetiology and diagnosis, to treatment and psychosocial aspects. Hence, recognition of these important differences and understanding of special issues in the elderly improve our diagnostic approach.