Epileptic Syndromes in the Elderly

Abstract

Forty aged patients suffering from various types of epileptic syndromes were investigated and observed. The condition was relatively common and the majority of cases were due to vascular disease either primarily in the cerebrum or in the cardio-vascular system. Epileptic symptomatology was not always obvious but had to be looked for. Post-epileptic phenomena including paralysis, pain and confusion can, if recognized, be prevented; if unrecognized, it may be misinterpreted as cerebral catastrophe, thalamic pain or senile dementia. Pre-existing vascular brain damage may leave an irritable focus and epileptic attacks may be precipitated by general disease.