ABSTRACT

Balance performances were evaluated in epileptic patients in order to assess its relationship with epilepsy type and treatment modality.

Thirty six epilepsy patients were included in the study. The results were compared with 30 healthy subjects similar to the patient group in terms of age, gender, body weight and height. Balance performance was evaluated through a set of clinic balance tests including 10 m gait time tests, self generated pertubations (functional reach, arm raise, step test) and steady stance tests (eyes in open and close positions, feet apart, feet together, stride stance, tandem stance, single stance).

No difference was found in terms of age, gender, body weight and height between the epilepsy and control groups (p>0.05). There were differences between the patients and control group in terms of 10 m gait time (p=0.00) and arm raise right-left tests (p=0.00), single right-left eyes open and closed (p=0.00), tandem left eye closed (p=0.00), tandem left eye open (p=0.04), tandem right eye closed (p=0.00). Considering balance tests, no significant difference was found between partial and generalized types (p>0.05). A difference was found between monotherapy and politherapy epilepsy groups in terms of 10 mgait time test (U=89.00, p=0.03), tandem stance left eye close (U=100.50, p<0.05), single leg stance right eye closed (U=101.00, p<0.05) ve single leg stance left eye closed (U=97.50, p<0.05).

Balance performance is affected in adult epilepsy patients. Epilepsy type does not affect balance performance, but treatment types significantly affect balance performance.

Keywords: Anticonvulsants, epilepsy, motor skills