Ganeswar Sethy1, Debasish Dash2, Geetanjali Sethy3, Abinash Panda4, Adya Anwesha5
BACKGROUND
Population based studies indicate that the incidence and prevalence of seizure
disorders in adults increase with age, especially in elderly, after the age of 60
years. The underlying etiological spectrum is variable across geographies. Analysis
of aetiology of seizure is essential for proper treatment to reduce the morbidity
and mortality associated with it. The present study was planned to analyse the
aetiology of new onset seizures in adult population (> 18 years of age).
METHODS
The cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Medicine of MKCG
Medical College & Hospital for a period of two years. 100 consecutive cases of new
onset seizures admitted in the in-patient department (indoor / ward) were included
in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was collected by
the investigators in a pre-tested Case Record Form. Data analysis was done using
Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism trial version 7.0. Descriptive statistics were
presented as proportions for discrete variables and as mean ± SD for continuous
variables. P value of ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
RESULTS
Acute symptomatic seizures accounted for 89 % of cases. Neuro-infection was the
leading aetiology in 35 % of cases, followed by cerebrovascular accidents (30 %)
and metabolic causes (10 %). Neurocysticercosis was seen in 11 % cases, followed
by meningitis and cerebral malaria. Among the vascular causes, stroke accounted
for 20 %. Prevalence of neuro-infection was highest in the age group of 15 - 35
years. 89 % of idiopathic seizures were generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS).
The prevalence of status epilepticus was 8 %.
CONCLUSIONS
Adult onset seizures have a varied spectrum of aetiology. With a thorough history,
clinical examination and appropriate investigations, the aetiology can be identified.
Accordingly, treatment can be instituted thus reducing the morbidity and mortality
associated with it.
