Early predictors of outcome in newly diagnosed epilepsy

Mohanraj, R. and Brodie, M.J. (2013) Early predictors of outcome in newly diagnosed epilepsy. Seizure, 22(5), pp. 333-344. (doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2013.02.002)

Abstract

Longitudinal studies of newly diagnosed epilepsy in children and adults have identified prognostic factors that allow early identification of patients whose seizures are likely to remain uncontrolled with antiepileptic medication. Results from outcome studies may be subject to bias, depending on the setting (community versus clinic), design (retrospective versus prospective) and characteristics of the patient cohort studied (age, types of epilepsy, specific comorbidities). Nevertheless, factors such as early response to medication, underlying aetiology, and number of seizures prior to initiation of treatment have consistently been found to be predictive of seizure outcomes. Other variables such as age, electroencephalographic findings and the presence or absence of psychiatric co-morbidities have been correlated with outcomes in some analyses. This review has examined studies of seizure outcomes in adults and children with newly diagnosed epilepsy identifying the risk factors that are associated with subsequent refractory epilepsy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brodie, Professor Martin
• Authors: Mohanraj, R., and Brodie, M.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Seizure
• ISSN: 1059-1311
• ISSN (Online): 1532-2688