Why do seizures start later in life?
As we get older the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain may become narrower and harder, which can affect the flow of blood, and therefore oxygen, to the brain. The most common causes of seizures starting in later life are cerebrovascular, which means changes or damage to the blood vessels around the brain.
What is the most common cause of seizures in older adults?
The most common cause of seizure activity in seniors is cerebrovascular disease, occurring more frequently as a consequence of a hemorrhagic stroke than the nonhemorrhagic type.
Is it possible for an old cat to have a seizure?
The older a home or car’s electrical system is, the more likely it is fail. The same goes for cats. As a cat ages, his likelihood of experiencing seizures grows. But that doesn’t mean every old cat will have a seizure. Most cats will never experience a seizure in their lives.
Is it possible for a dog to have a seizure?
Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats.
Can a cat be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy?
In cats with idiopathic epilepsy, no abnormality will be detected in these tests: this is known as a “diagnosis of exclusion” for this reason. An accurate diagnosis of the cause of seizures is essential when deciding on treatment. Most affected cats will show most of these six signs during a seizure.
When to take an older cat to the vet?
While an older cat is more likely to experience seizures, his chances remain slight. The brain, and seizures, are difficult to study. Much remains unknown about why seizures happen, especially to cats. If your older cat does have a seizure, he should be taken to a vet for diagnoses and treatment.
Can a 4 year old cat have a seizure?
But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats. While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs.
What causes seizures in older dogs and cats?
Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats. While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far…
How old do cats have to be to have epilepsy?
While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs. Only about 25% of cat seizures are attributed to Idiopathic Epilepsy. Most seizures in cats are caused by brain disease and brain damage.
What can you do for a cat with seizures?
In most instances, epilepsy is not life threatening unless status epilepticus develops. Anticonvulsant medications are used in chronic cases. It must be understood that drug therapy does not cure the condition, but rather controls the severity and frequency of the seizures. Anticonvulsant drugs such as Phenobarbital may be used in the cat.