Clinical profile of Solitary Seizures.

BACKGROUND: Solitary seizure is one of the controversies in neurology. This study was taken up to study the clinical profile of solitary seizure and the factors related to seizure recurrence with a view to evolve guidelines for management.

METHODS: We studied 150 cases of solitary seizure. All our patients were males. The age varied from 18-52 years. The diagnosis of seizure was confirmed with history. Apart from clinical neurological examination, blood counts, urinalysis and screening investigations to exclude possible underlying metabolic disorders were done. Inter-ictal EEG and contrast enhanced CT scan were done.

RESULTS: CT scan was abnormal in 28 cases. EEG was abnormal in 33; clinical abnormality was noted in 15 cases. Median follow up duration was 1.2 years. 18 patients had seizure recurrence. Type of seizure, EEG findings (normal or abnormal) and treatment with antiepileptic drugs did not have any effect on seizure recurrence. Seizure recurrence was less common in presence of CT scan abnormality though it was not significant statistically. Routine laboratory tests of blood count, blood sugar and urinalysis were normal in all cases.

CONCLUSION: In cases of solitary seizure, type of seizure, results of EEG and CT scan findings are not likely to predict seizure recurrence. Treatment with antiepileptic drugs does not prevent seizure recurrence. Laboratory investigations like blood counts, urinalysis and blood sugar estimation are unlikely to be of value in routine work-up of these cases.