[Seizure-precipitating factors in epilepsy--what do patients report?].
BACKGROUND
To investigate the occurrence of seizure-precipitating factors in a large epilepsy population and to determine which precipitants patients most often report.


METHODS
Study participants included Norwegian twins and their family members identified in a multinational twin study. 794 patients with epilepsy were asked about seizure precipitants.


RESULTS
Among the respondents, 55% reported at least one seizure-precipitating factor, while 28% claimed to have experienced two or more. Emotional stress, sleep deprivation, and tiredness were the most frequently reported precipitants. Patients with generalised seizures seemed more sensitive to sleep deprivation, tiredness, and flickering light than those with partial seizures. Women with partial seizures appeared to be more prone to seizures during their period than those with generalised seizures.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, dealing with seizure precipitating factors is a somewhat neglected and underestimated supplement to more traditional epilepsy therapies. Acknowledging and avoiding seizure precipitants may improve seizure control in many patients.
Nakken
Karl O
KO
Spesialsykehuset for epilepsi, G.F. Henriksens vei 23, 1337 Sandvika. karl.otto.nakken@epilepsy.no
Refsland
Grethe
G
Lillestølen
Kari Mette
KM
Solaas
Marit Hornberg
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005222:Mental Fatigue / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000150:complications; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications