Age and gender differences in initial symptoms and precipitant factors of epileptic seizures: An Australian study

Jaya Pinikahana, Joanne Dono

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document self-perceived warning signs, initial symptoms, triggers of epileptic seizures, and techniques to control seizures for people with epilepsy and to establish patterns in these self-reported experiences of epilepsy in relation to age and gender. Of 338 questionnaires mailed out to registrants on an epilepsy research database, 225 were anonymously returned (66.6% response rate). The questionnaire contained information regarding demographic characteristics, living with epilepsy, and self-perceived warning signs, initial symptoms, triggers of seizures, and techniques to control seizures. Of 225 participants, 86.6% reported at least one symptom prior to a seizure, and 69.8% indicated that they had tried at least one technique to stop a seizure. Younger participants were more likely to report some of the symptoms, triggers, and techniques, compared with older participants, and there was a gender difference on some of the triggers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-239
Number of pages9
JournalEpilepsy and Behavior
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Oct 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Initial symptoms
  • Triggers and epilepsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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