Seizures and Epilepsy in Seniors

By Medha Saraiya

March 30, 2021

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. About 1 million adults 55 years of age and older in North America suffer from Epilepsy. Some risk factors for Epilepsy in older adults are:

• Stroke
• Brain diseases such as Dementia
• Brain tumors
• Head injuries

At times seizures can go unnoticed in older adults. Some signs are more visual such as shown falling to the ground, shaking, and becoming unaware of what is going on around them, but these are not the most common ones. More often, a person having a seizure may:

• Seem confused
• Stare into space
• Wander
• Make unusual movements
• Be unable to answer questions or talk

When these signs occur more than once and often in the same pattern, they could be signs of seizures. If an older adult is showing these signs, it is important for them to talk to a health care provider.