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Risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure
Author(s) -
Berg Anne T.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01444.x
Subject(s) - status epilepticus , medicine , observational study , epilepsy , febrile seizure , pediatrics , randomized controlled trial , electroencephalography , psychiatry
SummaryThe risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure has been examined in numerous observational studies and two large, high‐quality randomized trials. Overall, in untreated individuals, 40–50% can expect a recurrence within 2 years of the initial seizure. Treatment may reduce this risk by as much as half. Those at the greatest risk of recurrence have either an abnormal EEG or an identifiable neurological condition or symptoms consistent with one (“symptomatic”). Status epilepticus and a history of febrile seizures may be associated with an increased risk of recurrence in individuals with symptomatic seizures. The great majority of people (∼90%) who are seen for a first unprovoked seizure attain a one to two year remission within 4 or 5 years of the initial event.