Autonomic Dysfunction in Epileptic Patients

Abstract

Objective: To investigate autonomic symptoms in different types of epilepsy in comparison to

control subjects. To observe whether autonomic symptoms cause possible morbidity and

mortality and to make a preliminary remedy

Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 28 patients diagnosed

with epilepsy including 18 patients with complex partial epilepsy (CPE) and 10 patients with

primary generalized epilepsy (PJE). Their autonomic symptoms were assessed using the

COMPASS-31 questionnaire in comparison to a control group of 18 subjects.

Results: No statistically significant differences were found in autonomic dysfunction symptoms

between patients with CPE and patients with PJE. However, constipation and insomnia which

autonomic symptoms were statistically significantly more common in epileptic patients

compared to the control group.

Conclusions: It is important to recognize and watch out for symptoms of autonomic dysfunction

in patients with epilepsy. We believe that awareness for these symptoms is essential both to

reduce associated disability and develop specific treatment strategies and to predict sudden

unexpected death in epileptic patients.

Keywords

• Epilepsy,autonomic dysfunction

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