Etiological diagnosis of late-onset epilepsy: A key priority for Italian epileptologists - Insights from a LICE survey.

objectiveThe incidence of epilepsy rises markedly after age 50. While late-onset epilepsy (LOE) is often linked to structural brain abnormalities, non-structural factors, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, also contribute. Approximately 20% of LOE cases remain of unknown etiology (LOEU). This study evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed by Italian epileptologists in managing LOE and LOEU, with the ultimate goal of proposing a standardized diagnostic algorithm.

methodsData were collected through a cross-sectional online survey administered to neurologists who are formal members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (LICE). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and inferential statistics were applied to derive meaningful conclusions.

resultsSixty-five epilepsy centers across 19 of the 20 Italian regions participated in the survey. EEG (100%; n = 65) and brain MRI (92.31%; n = 60) were routinely employed in the diagnostic evaluation of LOE. In over half of the centers (58.46%; n = 38), sleep-activated or sleep-influenced EEGs were also used. For LOEU cases, neuropsychological assessments were performed in 60% of centers. More than 30% of centers employed additional diagnostic tools, including lumbar puncture, FDG-PET, and serum antibody testing for neural autoantibodies. The most commonly prescribed anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for LOE were levetiracetam (86.15%; n = 56), lacosamide (81.54%; n = 53), and lamotrigine (61.54%; n = 40). SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggested that Italian epileptologists frequently evaluate patients with LOE during routine outpatient visits. LOEU is increasingly recognized as a distinct subtype of LOE that may warrant a targeted diagnostic approach due to the potential involvement of autoimmune and neurodegenerative mechanisms. There is a pressing need for focused cross-sectional or prospective multicenter studies to refine the diagnostic strategies for LOE, particularly for LOEU, and to enhance the characterization of its clinical and etiological features. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: After age 50, epilepsy rates rise, often linked to brain changes but sometimes with no clear cause (LOEU). We surveyed Italian epilepsy specialists and found that routine EEG and MRI are widely used, yet about 20% of cases require advanced tests to identify rare or autoimmune causes. Our findings will inform patient-focused diagnostic and treatment guidelines and underscore the need for standardized care pathways and further research in adult-onset epilepsy.