[Seizure-precipitating factors in epilepsy--what do patients report?].

Background: To investigate the occurrence of seizure-precipitating factors in a large epilepsy population and to determine which precipitants patients most often report.

Material And Method: Study participants included Norwegian twins and their family members identified in a multinational twin study. 794 patients with epilepsy were asked about seizure precipitants.

Results: Among the respondents, 55% reported at least one seizure-precipitating factor, while 28% claimed to have experienced two or more. Emotional stress, sleep deprivation, and tiredness were the most frequently reported precipitants. Patients with generalised seizures seemed more sensitive to sleep deprivation, tiredness, and flickering light than those with partial seizures. Women with partial seizures appeared to be more prone to seizures during their period than those with generalised seizures.

Interpretation: In our opinion, dealing with seizure precipitating factors is a somewhat neglected and underestimated supplement to more traditional epilepsy therapies. Acknowledging and avoiding seizure precipitants may improve seizure control in many patients.