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Epilepsy in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 April 2015

Nicola Smith  and
Divya Tiwari
Nicola Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, TheRoyal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset, UK
Divya Tiwari*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, TheRoyal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Divya Tiwari, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Foundation Trust, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 7DW. Email: dtiwari@doctors.org.uk
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Summary

Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder of older adults, with huge functional and psychological implications. It is often difficult to diagnose in the presence of cognitive impairment and lack of a witness account. The most common identifiable causes of epilepsy in old age are cerebrovascular disease and dementia. New guidelines recommend starting treatment after first unprovoked seizure. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, electroencephalography (EEG) should be considered, or ‘wait and watch’. The aim of treatment should be to fully control seizure activity with the most effective monotherapy and fewest possible side-effects. Drug compliance is often difficult to achieve in older adults.

Keywords

epilepsyseizureanti-epileptic drugsolder adults
Type
Review Article
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , February 2015 , pp. 53 - 59
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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