Experts predict that the current rate of 1% of elderly people worldwide suffering from epilepsy will continue to rise as the population ages. This neurological disorder has various causes and presents a complex clinical picture, significantly impacting the quality of life for those affected.
While epilepsy is not life-threatening, many patients face complications and accidents during seizures, such as biting their tongue, pneumonia from inhaling saliva or vomit, fractures due to falls (often in the cervical area), brain damage from prolonged seizures leading to oxygen deprivation, and respiratory arrest due to airway obstruction…
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| Listening to a health seminar at the Women’s Cultural Center in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: M.L) |
There are many causes of epilepsy in the elderly. Statistics show that cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of epilepsy (accounting for up to 44% of cases), followed by brain tumors and head trauma. About 10% of seizures in older adults are attributed to alcohol and tobacco addiction.
The most noticeable symptoms of epilepsy include generalized tonic-clonic seizures; however, only about 30% of patients exhibit this symptom. Many symptoms are harder to recognize, such as brief loss of consciousness, abnormal sensory perceptions, hallucinations, changes in cognition, and even some psychiatric signs. The manifestations of seizures can often arise from underlying chronic conditions or acute events (due to head injuries). There are also cases where seizures can be triggered by both distant and acute symptoms.
Older adults with epilepsy often have accompanying health issues such as neurodegenerative diseases, memory impairment, cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. As a result, the mortality rate due to epilepsy in the elderly is relatively high. To date, antiepileptic medications remain the primary treatment method. However, these medications can also affect cognitive function and may cause several complications in older adults. Since elderly patients commonly have multiple health issues requiring various medications, the risk of drug interactions increases. Medication should always be administered under the guidance of a specialist physician.
For older adults, seizures often lead to bodily injuries, loss of confidence, and decreased independence. Consequently, they may require hospitalization or care in specialized centers. Like other illnesses, if epilepsy is detected early and treated appropriately, the chances of complete recovery are very high. “Due to the many difficult-to-recognize symptoms associated with this condition, many patients suffer from epilepsy for a long time without receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” said Dr. Le Van Tuan, a neurology lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City.
The University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City will collaborate with Sanofi Aventis to organize a seminar on “Epilepsy in the Elderly” at 9 AM on April 22 at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. For registration, please contact: 08-8224889.
Vo An
