Seizure is a common
phenomenon in elderly persons which is important to be diagnosed and treated.
In this age group, acute symptomatic seizures are most often seen in the
setting of acute stroke and metabolic encephalopathy. Cerebrovascular disease
and degenerative dementia are common causes of epilepsy in elderly patients,
but one-third of cases are of cryptogenic origin. The majority of late-onset
epilepsy is partial with or without secondary generalization and clinicians
should maintain a high level of suspicion for possible diagnosis because of
atypical presentations. A reliable history taking and paraclinical evaluation
is needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclusion of other causes. Antiepileptic
treatment in elderly should be started at low dose monotherapy with slow
titration to higher doses. Also underlying diseases and other prescribed drugs
should be considered. Regular bone mineral density testing and calcium and
vitamin D supplementation in need, is recommended.
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