Clinical Characteristics Associated with Recurrent Spontaneous Seizure in Patients with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
TL;DR
Recurrent spontaneous seizures in epilepsy patients are associated with EEG findings, history of status epilepticus, seizures during sleep, and recurrent seizures within the first 3 months after the first seizure.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures due to excessive brain electrical activity. Identifying factors associated with seizure recurrence may help improve patient's management. This study aims to identify factors associated with recurrent spontaneous seizures in epilepsy patients. Method This study was an analytical cross-sectional study with consecutive samples of epilepsy patients at Sanjiwani Gianyar Regional General Hospital. Data were collected through structured patient interviews and review medical records, capturing demographic characteristics, clinical history, and seizure-related variables. Samples were classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of seizure recurrence within the past year. Comparative analysis between groups was conducted using the Chi-square test. Results A total of 41 samples were obtained: 21 from the group without seizures and 20 from the group with seizures. Of several variables, those associated with recurrent spontaneous seizures were electroencephalography (EEG) results ( p = 0.012), history of status epilepticus ( p = 0.048), seizures during sleep ( p = 0.020), and recurrent seizures within the first 3 months after the first seizure ( p <0.001). Conclusion Recurrent spontaneous seizures in epilepsy patients are associated with EEG findings, history of status epilepticus, seizures during sleep, and recurrent seizures within the first 3 months after the first seizure. Within the limitations of this study, EEG abnormalities appear to be associated with seizure recurrence. These findings are still preliminary and should be interpreted with caution.