Auras in Persons with Focal and Generalized Epilepsy: Types and Patient Numbers from a Tertiary Level Epilepsy Center (P12-1.001)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> We aimed to identify types and frequency of auras in patients with focal and generalized epilepsy. <h3>Background:</h3> The present-day knowledge of auras in persons with epilepsy (PWE) suggests a variety of experiences before seizure onset. A multitude of studies correlate them with focal epilepsy, although auras experienced by patients with generalized epilepsy have also been frequently reported. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This was a cross-sectional retrospective data analysis of 1505 PWE. We included patients who were diagnosed clinically as focal or generalized epilepsy along with corresponding changes on EEG and/or Long-Term Monitoring Evaluation (LTME). All patients in the study were inquired about consistent subjective feelings before seizure onset and these were classified as auras. <h3>Results:</h3> The database consists of 1505 patients out of which 1176 are diagnosed with focal and 253 diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. These patients were 47.2% male and 52.8% female, mean age 41.09±22.07 years. Available EEG/LTME results with focal discharges were seen in 214/1176 (18.1%) patients with focal epilepsy and generalized discharges in 127/253 (50%) patients with a diagnosis of generalized epilepsy. Auras were found to be more common in patients in the focal epilepsy (27%) than generalized epilepsy (16%). Most common auras reported in focal epilepsy included feeling of confusion (21%), visual symptoms (18%) and somatosensory (11%). In generalized epilepsy, non-specific auras were most commonly noted including, feeling of confusion (30%), dizziness (25%) and somatosensory (10%). Vague and non-descript auras were reported in 19% of patients with focal epilepsy and 25% of those with generalized epilepsy. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Approximately one-third of patients with EEG confirmed diagnosis of focal epilepsy experience auras. Although less frequently, generalized epilepsy patients also report auras. Use of standardized terminology for identifying auras might help address the variations reported. More studies are needed to identify the electrophysiological phenomena associated with them. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Asghar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Naz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramsey-Williams has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sheikh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saleem has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pervez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ali has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for ABPN. Dr. Riaz has nothing to disclose.