Characterization of seizures (ILAE 1981 and 2017 classifications) and their response to treatment in a cohort of patients with glial tumors: A prospective single center study

Epilepsy is a common symptom in patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Seizures are reported in 15–95% of patients with brain tumors, depending on the type of tumor [1]. Seizures are the presenting symptom in 15–50% of patients with gliomas, and up to 75% will have at least one seizure at some point in the disease course [2]. The recognition and classification of epileptic seizures and providing effective treatment are essential to preserve the quality of life of patients with glial tumors. In a previous study, we found that 63% of patients with glial tumors experienced seizures at some point in the disease course. Sixty two percent of seizures were focal onset, while 38% were generalized onset seizures [3]. However, considering the tumor etiology of seizures, we were unable to verify the results. Therefore, the goal of this study was to present the results of a larger cohort of patients with primary glial tumors and epilepsy based on a more rigorous examination approach. The primary objectives of this study were to classify and quantify epileptic seizures as a symptom of onset or later in the course of the disease and the correlation between ILAE 1981 and 2017 classifications [5,6]. The secondary objectives were to quantify: 1) the cases in which epileptic seizures were reclassified; 2) patients who received antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as monotherapy; 3) patients whose antiepileptic treatment on admission was modified; and (4) patients whose seizures were controlled with the prescribed AEDs.