Neurology
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Epilepsy is a serious health problem associated with an increased risk of premature mortality. Few studies have investigated risk factors for this. Understanding these risks may enable the implementation of preventative measures to reduce premature mortality. ⋯ In rural West China, the risk of premature death is nearly 5 times higher in people with convulsive epilepsy than in the general Chinese population and especially high among young people. Accidental death, including drowning, and probable SUDEP are the leading putative causes of death in people with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China.
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American Academy of Neurology guidelines recommend the use of noncutting needles because of lower rates of headache following lumbar puncture in randomized trials. We sought to determine the rate of headache using cutting needles and the potential cost savings of switching to noncutting needles. ⋯ In this single-institution study, use of a noncutting needle would have potentially been associated with less adverse events and less cost. Further studies are warranted, including the possibility of premedication with aspirin.