Elders with epilepsy

Abstract

Why is it important to learn about epilepsy in the elderly? The answers are many. As this article has highlighted, compared with younger individuals epilepsy is more common and the causes are more structural and symptomatic than in younger patients (particularly stroke). The clinical presentation is different in the elderly. The diagnosis is more difficult and often delayed. The most common seizures are simple partial and complex partial seizures, which are more often extratemporal in location. Confusion and memory problems are common presenting symptoms and postictal deficits often are prolonged. The prognosis for epilepsy in the elderly generally is favorable for seizure control, but if untreated, depression and quality of life suffer and seizures frequently recur. Seizures respond well at lower serum concentrations of antiepileptic drugs but these patients are also more sensitive (less tolerant) to side effects at lower doses than younger adults.