Abstracts

Rationale: A seizure cluster is defined as multiple, distinct seizures that occur over a 24-hour period.1 Limited data exist on the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients experiencing seizure cluster. To evaluate the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with seizure clusters the following analysis was undertaken.Methods: An online, retrospective chart review of epilepsy patients with seizure clusters was conducted among US-based neurologists. Patient inclusion criteria: adults (≥18 years old) diagnosed with seizure cluster ≥12 months prior to study onset, who had experienced ≥1 cluster episode in the past 12 months, and who were current patients of the treating physician for ≥12 months prior to study onset. Access to the patient’s complete seizure-related information including demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment was required. Data were collected using a web-based chart abstraction form.Results: 612 charts were collected from 186 neurologists; 69 were excluded for incomplete information. Of the 543 patients, the mean age was 41 years, and 319 (58.7%) were male. 194 (35.7%) were employed to some extent, and the majority (n=302, 55.6%) were living at home with family. The average time since receiving a diagnosis of cluster seizure was 8.1±7.9 years. The most common comorbidities were depression (n=160, 29.5%) and anxiety disorder (n=126, 23.2%). Patients experienced an average of 2.6±9 cluster episodes in the past year. Seizure activity was commonly monitored by patient/caregiver recollection (n=349, 64.3%) or through the use of a seizure diary (n=170, 31.3%). Complex partial (n=288, 53.0%) and tonic-clonic (n=153, 28.2%) were the most commonly reported seizure types.Conclusions: In this study of epilepsy patients with all seizure types and diagnosed with seizure cluster, the majority were male, unemployed, and living at home with family. Patients averaged 2.6 seizure clusters per year and recorded seizure activity primarily through patient or caregiver recollection. This study represents one of the largest and most recent examinations of this complex patient population and fills an unmet information gap. 1. Haut SR. Seizure clusters: characteristics and treatment. Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28:143-150. Supported by Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.