Manage Account - Modern Medicine
Epilepsy in older adults
Common morbidities influence development, treatment strategies, and expected outcomes

A. James Rowan, MD


Given that that the average person has one chronic illness for each decade over age 50, one would expect that patients who develop seizures in late life would have associated medical and/or neurologic conditions. Cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, and dementia all relate to epilepsy. Co-morbidities not only contribute to the causation and consequences of seizures, they also interfere with effective treatment and optimal functioning. Because seizures in older individuals can lead to serious consequences, safe and effective treatment is essential. Yet, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may cause adverse effects that may be worse in older patients when compared to younger patients. Multiple medications lead to a high probability that medically significant drug interactions may occur and must be monitored for in geriatric patients.

The information you requested is available only to registered Modern Medicine members.

Register Here

Registration is Free!
(and Takes Less than a Minute)

RegisterUS Physicians, click here
for express registration.

RegisterHealthcare Professionals,
click here

Modern Medicine Offers:
» Practice Management Advice
» CME / ICD-9 Coding / Formulary
» Patient Education Handouts
» Peer-reviewed Articles
» Conference Coverage, Email Alerts & More

Click Here to Watch the Tour

Already Registered?

Login Now

Login Email:Password:
Forgot Your Password?Remember me.
Source: Geriatrics,
Click here