Risk factors for a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure in adult life.

To evaluate risk factors for a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) in adults (=15 years), we performed a multicenter, case-control study involving eleven first-referral neurological departments in north-western Italy. The study enrolled 278 patients with a first GTCS, and 556 age- and sex-matched hospital controls. Cases and controls were interviewed through a questionnaire (inter-rater and index-proxy agreement varied between 75% and 100% for the different questions).

A case-control study on alcohol and seizures: study design, protocol, and data collection. The ALCE (Alcohol and Epilepsy) Study Group.

We designed a multicenter case control study to evaluate whether chronic alcoholism and alcohol are risk factors for developing a first generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizure. Cases were 278 patients (92 women, 186 men), with a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (either idiopathic or symptomatic), matched to 556 controls for center, sex, age, and weekday of the seizure. Information on risk factors was obtained through a questionnaire.

Alcohol use is a risk factor for a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The ALC.E. (Alcohol and Epilepsy) Study Group.

We performed a multicenter case-control study to estimate whether chronic alcoholism and alcohol consumption are risk factors for developing a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS). We studied 237 first-seizure patients (158 men, 79 women) matched to 474 hospital controls for center, sex, age (+/-5 years), and weekday of the seizure. The risk of first GTCS in alcoholics was greater than in non-alcoholics for men (odds ratio, 6.

Motor evoked potentials in the post-surgical follow-up of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Eighteen patients (6 female, 12 male; average age 51 years, range 37-79) with clinical and radiological evidence (MRI) of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were examined. The subjects were divided into two groups depending on whether radiology indicated single level (9 patients) or multilevel (9 patients) compression of the cervical cord. All of the patients underwent surgical decompression.