Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
To assess the clinical profile, etiology and diagnostic approach to first onset seizures in elderly patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. It included 63 patients aged 60 years and more who presented for the first time with seizures. Data on the demographics, type of seizure, etiology and diagnostic utility of neuroimaging (CT, MRI), EEG and laboratory investigations were taken. The interrelation between age, gender, type of seizure and causative factors were analyzed. A majority of patients were males 68.3%. The majority had their age ranging from 66‐70 years (33.3%). The predominant seizure type was GTCS, comprising 82.2%. Most patients had an etiology due to vascular causes at 30.2%, then metabolic causes (20.6%), followed by infections at 14.3% and tumors 9.5%. CT scans were done in all cases and abnormalities were found in 47.6% of patients, whereas MRI was used only in unclear cases, showing abnormal findings in 51% of patients. EEG abnormalities were found in 31.7% of cases, with higher sensitivity observed in infectious and metabolic causes. Adult onset seizures in the elderly are mostly of vascular and metabolic origin, with a valuable contribution from CT in emergencies for an initial diagnosis. Though MRI yields more, in many places, it is CT that will have to suffice. This article points out that a history, examination and targeted neuroimaging can go a long way in seizure management in elderly patients.
How to cite this article:
Chetna Patil, K. Krishna Reddy and Ujwal Zambare. Clinical, Etiological and Diagnostic Features of New‐Onset Seizures in the Elderly: A Comprehensive Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.655.659
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.655.659