WHICH SEIZURE PRECIPITATING FACTORS ARE MOST FREQUENTLY REPORTED BY PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY?
Abstract number :
2.034
Submission category :
Year :
2003
Submission ID :
3897
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2003 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2003, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Karl O. Nakken, Marit H. Solaas, Grethe B. Refsland, Kari M. Lillestolen, Marianne J. Kjeldsen, Mogens L. Friis, John M. Pellock, Linda A. Corey Department of Neurology, National Centre for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Norway; Institute of Medical Genetics, Univer
Although seizure precipitating factors are of major concern for many patients with epilepsy, there are few studies on this subject. Most studies are based on relatively few patients and on selected patient populations. To survey self-reported seizure precipitating factors in patients with epilepsy we have carried out a questionnaire- and population based study.
In an ongoing study, based on twin registries in USA, Denmark, and Norway, we have identified 1764 individuals with epilepsy, consisting of twins and their relatives. Those with febrile seizures were excluded. They filled in a comprehensive questionnaire. A minor section was dealing with questions about personal experience regarding 37 listed seizure precipitating factors. The study population comprised both children and adults. 53% had generalized seizures.
53% of the study population claimed to have seizures induced by certain precipitating factors. 30% had more than one trigger factor. The five most frequently reported factors were: Emotional stress (27%), sleep deprivation (16%), fatigue (14%), alcohol (8%), failure to take AEDs (4%).
In this large population based study we found that emotional stress and sleep deprivation were the most frequently reported seizure precipitating factors. This is in agreement with previous studies and clinical experience.
Further analyses of different precipitating factors in relation to various epilepsy syndromes and in monozygote/dizygote twins will be carried out.
[Supported by: NIH NINDS grant (NS-31564).]