SEIZURE DISORDERS OF AGING - DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS AND PATIENT-MANAGEMENT

The incidence of seizures increases significantly after age 60, mainly because of an associated rise in the prevalence of such etiologies as stroke, brain tumors, and toxic-metabolic disturbances, including alc ohol or drug misuse and diabetes. The differential diagnosis must rule out transient ischemic attacks, syncope, and psychiatric disorders, a mong other conditions. Treatment is based on the underlying cause. Sei zures caused by toxic-metabolic disturbances are treated by correcting the underlying condition. Those with other etiologies require single- drug therapy with an anticonvulsant, such as phenytoin, valproic acid, or carbamazepine.