Diagnostic delay in focal epilepsy: Association with brain pathology and age.

Purpose: Between 16-77% of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy report seizures before diagnosis but little is known about the risk factors for diagnostic delay. Here, we examined the association between prior seizures and neuroimaging findings in newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.

Methods: Adults diagnosed with focal epilepsy at First Seizure Clinics (FSC) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital or Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia, between 2000 and 2010 were included.

Newly diagnosed seizures assessed at two established first seizure clinics: Clinic characteristics, investigations, and findings over 11 years.

Objective: 'First seizure' clinics (FSCs) aim to achieve early expert assessment for individuals with possible new-onset epilepsy. These clinics also have substantial potential for research into epilepsy evolution, outcomes, and costs. However, a paucity of FSCs details has implications for interpretation and utilization of this research.