Clinical and Etiological Profile of New Onset Seizures in Elderly Patients Reporting to Tertiary Care Centre, Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Seizure disorder is a common neurological disorder among the elderly population and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to underlying comorbidities, weaker immunity and drug-to-drug interaction, but it does not get the adequate attention it deserves. Methodology: In a hospital-based retrospective observational study, 78 patients above 60 years, presenting with non-traumatic seizure for the rst time, were included in this study. The mean age of the study population was 70 years, with a male-to Results: -female ratio of 1.84:1. The most common cause of seizure was a cerebrovascular accident (37%), followed by metabolic (24.3%) and infective causes (19.23%). Generalised type of seizure was more common than focal seizure (69% vs 25.5%). CVA was the most common cause of generalised seizure (38.16%) whereas, tubercular meningitis was the most common cause of focal seizure (10.2%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, followed by diabetes. The study emphasises the need for a holistic approach towards an e Conclusion: lderly with seizure disorder and the need to control the comorbidities and thereby, its complications, such as seizure.