Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis 

Abstract

Purpose: Epilepsy and epileptic seizures occur more frequently in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this patient population most often are reported complex partial and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and some demographic characteristics of patients with epileptic seizures or epilepsy and MS who have sought specialized medical care in the area of Sofia, Bulgaria. Methods: A prospective study with 67 consecutive cases of patients with definite MS which was realized at a Clinic of neurology of a University hospital. In all patients a disease history was reviewed with a focus on epileptic seizures and other motor phenomena, as well on epilepsy. Results: Epileptic seizures were identified in 4 (6.0%) patients in our group. Epilepsy was identified as well in 4 (6.0%) patients. Of these, we identified simple focal motor seizures, simple focal sensory seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Paroxysmal activity on electroencephalography (EEG) was registered in three patients. Conclusions: Our locally performed study corroborates the overall opinion that epilepsy and epileptic seizures are more frequent in patients with MS than in the general population. The seizure semiology was not different than previously reported in other MS and epilepsy studies. We did not identify any patient with an epileptic seizure as an initial or the only presentation of MS.