Evaluation of Seizure Frequency Distribution in Epileptic Patients with Normal and Abnormal Electroencephalogram in Al-Zahra Hospital of Isfahan.

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizure recurrence in patients. Electroencephalogram (EEG) has a diagnostic and prognostic role in the management of patients. Studies have shown a significant relation between seizure recurrence and abnormal EEG in newly diagnosed epileptic patients, and people with first episode of unprovoked seizure. The aim of this study is to evaluate seizure frequency in chronic epileptic patients on drug therapy based on normal or abnormal EEG.

Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study examined seizure recurrence in 59 epileptic patients (50.8% generalized, 49.2% focal) with normal and abnormal EEG. Data were recorded in patient medical file, and patients were followed by telephone call or visiting by neurologist.

Results: In this study, 59 patients with a mean age of 29.58 ± 10.37 years were assessed that 42.4% of them were males and 57.6% were females. Seizure frequency in patient with specific abnormal EEG was significantly more than other patients (specific abnormal: 78.9%, nonspecific abnormal: 45.5%, and normal: 31%, P = 0.005). Seizure recurrence in patients on polytherapy was significantly higher than others (polytherapy: 76.9% and monotherapy: 27.3%, P < 0.001). In patient with abnormal imaging seizure, frequency was more than other patients which was nearly significant ( P = 0.054).

Conclusion: Abnormal EEG and number of anticonvulsant drugs have a role in seizure recurrence in epileptic patients.