Epilepsy in the Elderly: Risk Factors and Management Approaches

AbstractPurpose of ReviewEpilepsy, particularly new onset, disproportionately affects the elderly at high rates. We summarize the literature on etiologic risk factors and the evidence behind medical and surgical treatments for geriatric epilepsy.Recent FindingsIncident epilepsy in the elderly is most commonly focal onset resulting from structural brain disease. Levetiracetam was well tolerated and as effective as older medications for new onset seizures. Small studies on epilepsy surgery show favorable outcomes in older patients; however, surgery may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive deficits and complications.SummaryFurther studies are needed to examine the utility of newer antiepileptic medications in the elderly. In particular, the selection of a good surgical candidate in this age group requires more detailed investigation.
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research