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We aimed to explore the causes of higher than expected rates of Indigenous emergency department (ED) seizure presentations. A questionnaire was administered to adult patients presenting with seizure to an ED in Far North Queensland. Over 15 months, among 260 presentations with seizure (22% Indigenous), 50% non-Indigenous patients, and 45% Indigenous patients completed the questionnaire. Risk factors for alcohol misuse were common in both groups (50% Indigenous, 43% non-Indigenous; p = 0.50), as were rates of reported head injury (50% Indigenous, 44% non-Indigenous; p = 0.50). However, 47% Indigenous patients, compared to 19% non-Indigenous patients (p < 0.05) reported missing anti-epileptic tablets at least twice weekly, representing clinically relevant medication non-adherence. This was the first reported seizure presentation for 12% Indigenous patients and 26% non-Indigenous patients. We conclude that among ED seizure presentations, alcohol excess and prior head injury are commonly observed, in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients. However, Indigenous patients have higher rates of anti-convulsant non-adherence, likely contributing to ED presentations. |
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