Determination of precipitating factors for breakthrough seizures among patients with epilepsy in a tribal area of Jharkhand: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Breakthrough seizures are an essential aspect to consider while treating epilepsy. No study has been done on the precipitating factors for breakthrough seizures in the tribal area of Jharkhand. Hence, awareness regarding the possible precipitating factors of breakthrough seizures is vital to prevent their occurrence.

AIM

To determine precipitating factors for breakthrough seizures among patients with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and October 2023. The study included epileptic patients who had been receiving anti-epileptic drugs (AED) for at least 6 months before the survey.

RESULTS

300 patients with epilepsy were included. A total of 46% of epileptic patients had breakthrough seizures. Non-adherence to AED ( < 0.0001); the number of AED ( < 0.0006), duration of treatment ( < 0.05), level of education ( < 0.04), awareness of triggering factors ( < 0.05) and sleep deprivation ( < 0.05) carried the significant association with breakthrough seizures. In contrast, no association was found with gender, occupation, and stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Breakthrough seizures are preventable. Hence, there is a need to create awareness of this issue to prevent its occurrence.