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

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Abstract.

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). Risk factors significantly associated with a first GTCS were: severe head trauma (odds ratio 9.9; 95% confidence limits 2.0–67.1), siblings with seizures (5.7; 1.7–21.4), alcohol intake >50 grams/day (4.9; 3.1–7.9), history of stroke (3.8; 1.8–8.0), complications of delivery (2.7; 1.5–5.1), other relatives with seizures (2.4; 1.3–4.6), sleep deprivation (2.4; 1.4–4.1), low gestational age (1.9; 1.1–3.4), mild-moderate head trauma (1.8; 1.2–3.0), and low birth weight (1.6; 1.0–2.7). Genetic and late acquired factors and life habits are major risk factors for a first GTCS in adults, while pre- and perinatal events play only a minor role.

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Received: 22 Novembre 2001 / Accepted in revised form: 11 June 2002

RID="*"

ID="*"The Alcohol and Epilepsy Study Group includes: L. Sironi, Neurology Department, Regional Hospital, Aosta; F. Brignolio, E. Duc, V. Montano, A. Tribolo, Division of Neurology, Civil Hospital, Asti; V.Nardozza, M. Gionco, Division of Neurology, Ospedale degli Infermi, Biella; E. Grasso, P. Meineri, M.G. Rosso, Division of Neurology, Santa Croce Hospital, Cuneo; A. Villani, A. Margaroli, P. Julita, G. Savoini, Division of Neurology, S. Biagio Hospital, Domodossola; M.S. De Angelis, M. Gianelli, P. Naldi, E. Terazzi, Neurology Clinic, Maggiore della Carit/agrave; Hospital, Novara; G. Amedeo, A. Campanella, M. De Mattei, E. Rocci, P. Zaina, Neurology Department, Molinette Hospital, Turin; M. Nobili, L. Vivalda, D. Leotta, U. Morino, Division of Neurology, Martini Hospital, Turin; R. Bacci, D. Daniele, Division of Neurology, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin; R. Rubino, P. Provera, Division of Neurology, Civil Hospital, Tortona; M. Andreotti, D. Mittino, Division of Neurology, SS. Trinità Hospital, Varallo Sesia.

Correspondence to M. Leone

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Leone, M., Bottacchi, E., Beghi, E. et al. Risk factors for a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure in adult life. Neurol Sci 23, 99–106 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100720200034

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100720200034

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