Abstract

Background: Aim- The aim of this study isto evaluate the etiological profile of new
onset focal seizures in adults.
Materials and Methods: It was a Prospective Observation Cross sectional study. The
ethical committee approval was obtained to carry out the study in the hospital.The
study was carried out during the year from September 2017 to November 2019 for a
period of 26 months. All Adults out- patients and in- patients in the age group of 18 –
70yrs with focal seizures admitted in hospital are evaluated during the period of Study.
Total 50 were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and seizures categorized
according to the classification based on new 2017 International League Against Epilepsy
(ILAE) classification of seizures.
Results: In our study Focal Seizures with impaired awareness are the most common
focal Seizure Type. The age group, most commonly affected is 18 to 30 years.
Granulomatous lesions and Cerebrovascular accidents are the most common cause of
Focal Seizure in younger age group in older age group patients, vascular Pathology is
the most common cause of Focal Seizures. Among Central Nervous System
infections/granulomatous lesions of brain, Nerocysticercosis and tuberculomas are most
common. Incidence in male is more than in female. T.B. Meningitis and Cerebral
Malaria can also present as focal Seizures. CECT & MRI Brain is helpful, when the CT
was inconclusive. There is no significant difference in incidence of Neurocysticercosis
between Vegetarians and Non – Vegetarians. All patients with cerebrovascular
accidents, with focal seizures responded well with AEDs, anti-cerebral edema
measures,& anti platelet drugs in ischemic strokes All patients of Ring enhancing
lesions responded well to treatment with Anti-Epileptic Drugs.
Conclusion: It is mandatory to deal carefully with each case of adult onset seizure with
a tailor-made approach. Identification and awareness about the etiological factors and
seizure type help in better management of these patients. Primary care physicians play
a pivotal role in identifying patients with adult onset seizures and should encourage
these patients to undergo neuroimaging so as to arrive at an appropriate etiological
diagnosis. In the face of recent advances in neuroimaging techniques, the future
prospective management of adult onset seizures appears bright and convincing