CLINICAL AND EEG CHARACTERISTICS OF EPILEPSY IN PATIENTS WITH DOWN[apos]S SYNDROME
Abstract number :
2.144
Submission category :
Year :
2003
Submission ID :
574
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2003, 06:00 AM
Authors :
John Paul Leach, Christine Salvetta, Kevin Kelly, Aline Russell, Martin J. Brodie Epilepsy Unit, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Neurophysiology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Down[apos]s syndrome patients are more likely to develop epilepsy. The clinical and electrographic charaterisitcs of these patients is not well described
Demographic and clinical information was collected on all patients with Down[apos]s syndrome attending the Epilepsy Unit in Glasgow or other neurology clinics in the region.
40 patients have been identified, with information available so far on the first 20. Eleven are male, and the median age of onset of seizures was 39.5 years. Seven of 20 had associated hypothyroidism.
Nineteen patients had generalised tonic clonic seizures (some of presumed focal onset), 8 of whom had accompanying myoclonic jerks.
EEG showed generalised discharges in 4/15 patients and was normal in 6/15. Four EEGs were normal, and one showed focal sharp waves.
Outcome was generally good with 8 being seizure free. Three patients died within 2 years of epilepsy onset, and one died 7 years after seizures began.
In order for us to give accurate prognostic information for these patients, the clinical outcomes of epilepsy in patients with Down[apos]s Syndrome should be elucidated. Knowledge of pathogenesis of seizures in patients with Down[apos]s may provide insights into pathogenesis of epilepsy in other patient groups.