Audit of 100 cases of Epilepsy in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is not an uncommon disease. Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and causes of epilepsy in our set up.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at epilepsy clinic Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 1st January 2008 to 30th June 2008. Patients above the age of five years were included in the study. Those with post traumatic seizures were excluded. Detailed history, thorough physical examination and relevant investigations were done in each patient.

Results: One hundred patients of epilepsy were studied. Sixty-six (66%) were males and 34(34%) were females. Forty seven percent of the patients were in the age group of 11-20 years. Seventy (70%) of the patients were suffering from generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 11(11%) from partial seizures secondarily generalized, 7(7%) from absence seizures, 6(6%) from complex partial, 4(4%) simple partial seizures and 2(2%) unclassified and non-epileptic seizures. Positive family history of epilepsy was found in 24(24%) and febrile fits in 17(17%) patients. Fourteen (14%) patients had fits after having injury at some time of their life. Electroencephalographic changes were positive in 55(55%) and CT brain findings were helpful in 24(24%) patients.

Conclusions: Epilepsy is a common medical problem in Pakistan. Generalized tonic clonic seizures was the most common followed by partial seizure secondarily generalized and complex partial seizure. Majority of the cases were idiopathic.