Abstracts

Rationale: First Time Seizure (FTSz) has an unpleasant traumatic physical and psychological experience for the patient as well as the family. When presented to ER, most of these patients when stabilized are given an outpatient appointment with neurologist for further work up. This may have long wait times and may delay treatment with AEDs in select patients with higher risks for recurrence. We looked at patients with FTSz who were admitted and were found candidates for anti-seizure treatment following evaluation (by neurologist and workup).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) of patients aged>15years admitted from, January 2011 to midst-2015, at the Department of Neurology, Al Ain Hospital, with a diagnosis of seizures. We extrapolated data for those who presented with first time seizure and looked at their demographics, electrolyte profiles, neuroimaging data, EEGs, average Length of stay as well as treatment with Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs).Results: Total of (n=788) patients were admitted from ER following seizure over a period of 53 months. Out of which 61 (42 males & 19 females) presented with FTSz. Mean (+SD) age was 39 (+21) years. Electrolyte profile was normal in all. Neuroimaging (CAT brain or MRI Brain) which was abnormal in 23 and normal in 38 patients. EEG was done on 38 patients with normal scans, and showed focal epileptiform discharges in 5, generalized spike-wave discharges in 4 patients, 26 had normal EEGs and 3 had nonspecific slowing. Average length of stay was 6 days. AEDs were prescribed in 40 patients.Conclusions: We conclude that in our cohort inpatient admission expedited evaluation in patients following FTSz that led to initiation of treatment in two-thirds of patients, thus decreasing the subsequent risk of seizure recurrence. As in our setting it takes longer to get appointments for evaluation and investigations.