title: Seizure recurrence after a 1st unprovoked seizure: an extended follow-up.
abstract: We followed 208 patients identified on the day of their 1st unprovoked seizure for a mean duration of 4 years. Seizures recurred in 64. Recurrence risks were estimated to be 14%, 29%, and 34% at 1, 3, and 5 years following the 1st episode. A history of previous neurologic insult (remote symptomatic) was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of recurrence. Among idiopathic cases, a sibling with epilepsy, a generalized spike and wave EEG, or a history of acute symptomatic seizure increased risk for recurrence. Among remote symptomatic cases, status epilepticus, a prior acute symptomatic seizure, or Todd's paresis increased risk. Depending upon clinical features, recurrence risk at 5 years following a 1st seizure ranged from 23% to 80%. Treatment with anticonvulsant medication was not associated with a decrease in recurrence risks.
authors.affiliation: G.H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Rich
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Annegers
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*