Geriatric Epilepsy

David V. Lardizabal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Summary: After stroke and dementia, geriatric epilepsy is the third most common neurologic condition. This chapter focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features or semiology, differential diagnosis, seizure mechanisms, and treatment of geriatric epilepsy. Epilepsy in old age is generally an expression of an underlying disease of the brain. Symptomatic causes of epilepsy in the elderly are usually due to a cerebrovascular disease or neurodegenerative disease. Epileptic seizures result from an abnormal and excessive discharge of neurons, and this is clinically manifested by sudden, diverse, transitory symptoms, including altered consciousness and motor, sensory, or psychiatric events. Epileptic seizures can be mimicked by nonepileptic events that are common in the elderly age group. Elderly patients with epilepsy have a favorable response and tolerance to new-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Moreover, the AED dosages are lower due to pharmacokinetic changes that occur in the older age group.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeriatric Neurology
PublisherWiley Blackwell
Pages370-378
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781118730676
ISBN (Print)9781118730683
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 28 2014

Keywords

  • Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
  • Drug therapy
  • Epilepsy syndromes
  • Geriatric epilepsy
  • Geriatric epileptic seizures

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