Efficacy of antiepileptic drugs against elderly–onset epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction : Elderly–onset epilepsy patients (aged >65 years) have been reported to become seizure–free with relatively low doses of medication, but the details remain unclear. Here, we report the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs against elderly–onset epilepsy in our hospital.

Method : Fifty–four elderly–onset epilepsy patients of epilepsy–specialized outpatient clinics were included in this study. Epileptic syndrome, epileptic seizure type, etiology, efficacy and average dose of antiepileptic drugs, adverse events, and the seizure–free rate were evaluated.

Results : The most frequent diagnosis was temporal lobe epilepsy. The majority of patients had focal onset impaired awareness seizures. Causes were identified in less than half of the patients. The main pathogenesis was cerebrovascular disorder, followed by Alzheimer's disease. Many patients were treated with low–dose monotherapy, and the continuation rate was relatively high. Adverse events such as light–headedness and somnolence were the reasons for interruption. The seizure–free rate for 12 months was 94%.

Conclusion : In the present study, the seizure–free rate was high in patients with elderly–onset epilepsy receiving low doses of antiepileptic drugs. It is important to pay attention to adverse events and start antiepileptic drugs at low doses.