The etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of seizure disorder differ considerably between the elderly and younger patients. The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy is higher in elderly than in young adults or children. The most common cause of seizures in the elderly is cerebrovascular disease, followed by degenerative diseases, trauma and metabolic encephalopathies. Older patients with epilepsy usually do not present with classic features of complex partial seizures as seen in younger adult. The diagnosis of epilepsy in elderly patients is difficult due to atypical presentation. In addition, because a number of condition that are common in elderly patients may resemble epilepsy, diagnosis can be challenging. Antiepleptic drug therapy requires pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic adjustments due to the physiological changes associated with aging. The majority of patients will become seizure free on antiepileptic drug monotherapy, often at modest dosage. Prognosis may be better at this time of life than for younger people.

Keywords: elderly, epilepsy, seizure