Remission from Complex Partial Seizures
Austrian research shows response and seizure remission in persons with complex partial seizures (CPS), despite a long period of active epilepsy. Research led by Dr. Eugen Trinka (Innsbruck University Clinic for Neurology, Innsbruck, Austria) found that persons with a low frequency of initial seizures, an older age at the onset of seizures, a normal neurological evaluation and at least average mental capability may be expected to achieve seizure control.
The study of 266 adults with complex partial seizures shows complete seizure control in 40% of participants, and >50% reduction in seizure frequency in 36% of participants. Poor seizure control was achieved in only 24% of participants.
Factors relating to the degree of medical responsiveness may include age at onset, initial seizure frequency, neurological examination results and mental capability. Poor seizure control was associated with a significantly younger age at onset, a high initial seizure frequency (more than three per month), mental disability, and an abnormal neurological examination.
Follow-up was performed by observational survey, from 2 to 25 years after the participants' initial presentation. Participants entered remission from CPS after a mean period of 15.7 years of active epilepsy. Of seizure-free participants, about 33% remain in remission 6.1 years after discontinuing antiseizure medication.
A family history of seizure disorder, a history of febrile convulsions and/or psychosis, and abnormal electroencephalogram or magnetic-resonance imaging scan did not predict a poorer outcome.
The mean age of seizure onset for participants in this trial was 18.1 years.
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