Seizures in cancer patients: A vast spectrum of etiologies

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to recognize the distribution of different seizures etiologies in cancer patients, the most common primary tumors responsible for brain metastases, the most epileptogenic primary tumors and the therapeutic modalities. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital targeting patients admitted to hematology-oncology department between 2005 and 2016 who presented a seizure. Results: Of the 153 included patients, mean age was 57 years (standard deviation = 16 years) and a male predominance (66%). The majority of seizures were due to a primary tumor (49%) or brain metastases (32%). Other reversible (metabolic and drug) or nonreversible causes (carcinomatous meningitis, radiation and cardiovascular complications) formed the remaining causes. Regarding antiepileptic treatments, sodium valproate was mostly used, followed by levetiracetam and phenytoin. Conclusion: Numerous reversible causes are involved in the onset of epileptic seizures, including metabolic disorders, antibiotics and chemotherapies.