C. J. J. van Asch, W. P. J. Spetgens, M. D. Bourez-Swart, A. M. Meppelink, C. L. P. Deckers, D. van Blooijs, D. G. A. Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenité
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
Photosensitivity is known to occur predominantly in children and adolescents and with a clear female predominance. Little is known on the prevalence of photosensitivity in older patients (50+) and its phenotypical appearance.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was performed investigating the prevalence of a photoparoxysmal EEG response (PPR) on at least one EEG during the period 2015–2021. Data were gathered from patients aged 50 years and older by retrieving clinical and EEG characteristics from existing medical records. Data on photosensitivity-related symptoms in daily life were gathered with telephone interviewing.
Results
In 248 patients a PPR had been elicited, of whom 16 patients (6.5%) were 50 years or older. In older patients, photosensitivity was a persistent feature of childhood-onset epilepsy (n = 8), of adult-onset epilepsy (n = 7), or an incidental finding (n = 1). In the 50+ group, 56% of photosensitive patients was female, whereas 72% in the total PPR-group. In six of 16 older patients, eye closure sensitivity was observed; two of these patients reported self-induction. Symptoms of photosensitivity in daily life were present in eight out of nine patients who consented in a telephone interview. For seven of these patients, wearing sunglasses was helpful.
Significance
Female preponderance for photosensitivity was not found in epilepsy patients of 50 years and older. In 44% of the older photosensitive patients in this series, the PPR was a feature of adult-onset epilepsy. Symptoms of photosensitivity in daily life in older patients with epilepsy seem comparable to those in younger patients, and thus worthwhile to diagnose and treat them equally.
期刊介绍:
Epileptic Disorders is the leading forum where all experts and medical studentswho wish to improve their understanding of epilepsy and related disorders can share practical experiences surrounding diagnosis and care, natural history, and management of seizures.
Epileptic Disorders is the official E-journal of the International League Against Epilepsy for educational communication. As the journal celebrates its 20th anniversary, it will now be available only as an online version. Its mission is to create educational links between epileptologists and other health professionals in clinical practice and scientists or physicians in research-based institutions. This change is accompanied by an increase in the number of issues per year, from 4 to 6, to ensure regular diffusion of recently published material (high quality Review and Seminar in Epileptology papers; Original Research articles or Case reports of educational value; MultiMedia Teaching Material), to serve the global medical community that cares for those affected by epilepsy.