title: [Epileptic seizures and epilepsy in the elderly].
abstract: Contrary to former views the incidence rate of epilepsies after age 65 are higher than in childhood and adolescence and epileptic seizures are one of the most common neurological problems in the elderly. The most common seizure types are primary focal with possible secondary generalization in about two thirds of the patients, the most common etiology are cerebrovascular disturbances, brain tumors, head injuries and degenerative diseases. Todd's pareses or other postictal disturbances are quite common. This article covers diagnostic and therapeutic aspects with special consideration of the influence of accompanying diseases (especially of the liver and kidneys) on the pharmacotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Schweizerisches Epilepsie-Zentrum, Zürich. g.kraemer@swissepi.ch
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Krämer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants