What causes epilepsy in the elderly?

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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If a patient has no history of epilepsy but begins to experience epileptic seizures in old age, it is generally secondary epilepsy, also known as symptomatic epilepsy. All patients should have a clear cause, but with current diagnostic techniques, it is not always possible to find the cause. If the cause cannot be identified, it is called cryptogenic epilepsy. In such cases, it is generally necessary to improve diagnostic methods, such as cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cranial magnetic resonance angiography. The most common causes of epilepsy in the elderly are generally cerebrovascular disease, brain trauma, or encephalitis, and in some cases, brain tumors. Any disease that causes brain cell damage can potentially cause symptomatic epileptic seizures. If all imaging examinations fail to reveal any abnormalities, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor for early-stage tumors that may not be detectable on imaging tests. Meanwhile, antiepileptic treatment should be administered, and routine blood tests, liver, and kidney functions should be regularly monitored.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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Do you need to take medication for epilepsy long-term?

Patients with epilepsy are clinically divided into primary and secondary types. Primary epilepsy is mainly treated with medication, and most patients require long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs to control seizures. Some patients can completely control the symptoms of epilepsy with medication; if they are seizure-free for three to five years, it is referred to as clinical cure, and they may discontinue the medication. For patients experiencing primary epilepsy seizures, treatment focuses on the cause of the condition, such as common diseases like cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain tumors, encephalitis, brain parasite infections, and cranial trauma. After the primary disease is cured, symptoms of epilepsy may be controlled in these patients. If some patients still experience epilepsy seizures after treatment, they should continue taking long-term oral anti-epileptic drugs to control the seizures.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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Can patients with epilepsy eat mangoes?

Epilepsy patients can eat mangoes. Mangoes are rich in vitamins and can supplement the essential nutrients needed by the human body. However, some people may be allergic to mangoes, and generally should not consume them. There are no specific dietary restrictions for epilepsy patients, but they should try to eat less spicy and greasy food, avoid mental stimulation, which can provoke seizures. Additionally, patients should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement the necessary vitamins and nutrients. They should also have a balanced diet, including lean meat, fish, poultry eggs, soy products, and some milk. It is important to have a regular lifestyle, sleep and wake up on time, and ensure sufficient sleep duration and quality.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
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incidence of epilepsy in children

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, with the highest incidence in children under the age of one. The prevalence of epilepsy in China ranges from 0.4% to 0.7%, with nine million epilepsy patients, of which six million have active epilepsy. Every day, there are 400,000 new cases of epilepsy, with a prevalence of up to 1% among those aged sixteen and under. There are many children with epilepsy, experiencing various types of seizures, each with its own characteristics, but all share the features of sudden onset, abrupt cessation, and periodicity.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Precursors to epileptic seizures in children

The majority of childhood epilepsy seizures occur without any precursors, as they arise and cease suddenly with stereotyped movements. However, some seizures are preceded by prodromes, such as sudden onset of consciousness disturbances, or fainting symptoms. Other seizures can present with motor dysfunctions, displaying sudden weakness or fatigue in certain limbs, followed by an epileptic attack. Additionally, some may experience abnormal sensations, such as numbness in a specific area or visual disturbances, including sudden flashes or even visual distortions, leading to convulsive seizures.

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Best treatment time for childhood epilepsy

The best time to treat pediatric epilepsy is as early as possible; the earlier the child's condition is discovered, the better the treatment outcome will be. Especially when the child has their first seizure, such as with febrile convulsions or afebrile convulsions, if epilepsy appears for the first time, it is crucial to promptly check the child with a head CT scan or MRI and an electroencephalogram (EEG). If a specific cause is identified, treatment should be tailored to the child's specific condition. It is essential to bring the child to the hospital for a thorough examination as soon as possible, ensure a timely diagnosis, and administer medications promptly, as this is critically important for the child's future prognosis.