Abstract: Background: New-onset seizures in adults are an important neurological presentation and may be the first manifestation of an underlying structural, infective, metabolic, traumatic, neoplastic, or idiopathic disorder. Identification of the clinical profile and etiology is essential for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention of recurrence.
Aim: To study the clinical profile, investigational findings, and etiological distribution of new-onset seizures in adults presenting to a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 64 adult patients presenting with new-onset seizures to the OPD, emergency department, Neuro Medicine, and Department of General Medicine at People’s College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bhopal. Patients aged more than 18 years with new-onset seizures were included, while patients with previous history of seizures, pregnant women, patients aged less than 18 years, and those already taking anti-epileptic drugs were excluded. All enrolled patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, neurological examination, biochemical investigations, neuroimaging by CT/MRI brain, and EEG. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations were assessed using Chi-square test or Fisher’s Exact Test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 64 patients, the maximum number belonged to the 36–55 years age group, 24 (37.5%), followed by 18–35 years, 22 (34.5%). Males were predominant, 41 (64.1%). Focal to bilateral GTCS was the most common seizure type, seen in 22 patients (34.4%), followed by focal seizure and GTCS in 21 patients each (32.8%). Stroke was the most common etiology, 17 (26.6%), followed by CNS infection and metabolic causes, 14 (21.9%) each. Brain MRI/CT was normal in 20 patients (31.3%), while ischemic infarct was the commonest abnormal finding, 12 (18.8%). EEG showed focal epileptiform discharges in 23 patients (35.9%). Abnormal sodium levels were seen in 23 patients (35.9%) and abnormal calcium levels in 14 patients (21.9%). MRI/CT findings showed a significant association with seizure etiology (p<0.001).
Conclusion: New-onset seizures in adults were more common among middle-aged males. Stroke, CNS infection, and metabolic abnormalities were the major etiologies. Neuroimaging, EEG, and biochemical evaluation are essential for early etiological diagnosis and appropriate management.
Keywords: New-onset seizures; Adults; Stroke; EEG; Neuroimaging.
Title: Clinical profile of new onset seizures in adults in a tertiary care hospital
Author: Dr Oaj Tuteja, Dr Rahul Jain, Dr Atul Patel
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 432-439
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 02-July-2026
