| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction: The subjective experience of epileptic seizures relayed to the doctor often dictates further investigation and treatment. Abnormalities such as focal seizure symptoms in generalized epilepsy or lack of motor symptoms in focal epilepsy may delay diagnosis or cause misdiagnosis. Objective: We aimed to thoroughly evaluate the subjective features of epileptic seizures in order to compare them to the existing diagnosis and other epilepsy types, assess the most incongruent and stand-out features. Methods: 138 people participated in a cross-sectional study and answered an anonymous survey on sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, and autonomic symptoms experienced during an epileptic seizure. Results: More than half (63%) of respondents with generalized epilepsy reported auras, of which nonspecific aura symptoms were most common. During focal motor seizures, 50% experienced a non-motor component and 38% of participants described at least 1 motor symptom during a focal non-motor seizure. Conclusions: More than half of people with generalized epilepsy experience auras, usually of non-specific variety. During a focal seizure cognitive and sensory changes are most common. Focal motor seizures often have non-motor features. |
