Mortality in two independent First Seizure Clinic cohorts up to 20 years post epilepsy diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Excess mortality has been demonstrated in individuals with epilepsy. Here, we aimed to examine mortality in patients from two independent First Seizure Clinics (FSCs), up to 20 years after a new epilepsy/unprovoked seizure diagnosis assigned by epileptologists. Patients were also grouped according to pre-existing medical conditions and mortality in these subgroups was examined. Methods: In this observational study, adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with epilepsy/unprovoked seizures between 2000–2010 at Austin Health and Royal Melbourne Hospital FSCs were included. FSC information regarding epilepsy and pre-existing conditions (alcohol/substance use, psychiatric disorders, cancer, card..