Incidence and predictors for post-stroke epilepsy. A prospective controlled trial. The Akershus stroke study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and identify predictors for post-stroke epilepsy (PSE), in particular the possible influence of treatment in a stroke unit (SU). Patients with PSE were identified between 4 weeks and 1 year after the stroke. Different parameters were studied as possible predictors. Twelve patients (2.5%) developed PSE during 12 months. Four of the patients (33%) were treated in an SU and eight of the patients (67%) were treated in general medical wards (GMWs) (P=0.50). Mean age in those with PSE was 75 and 76 in those without (P=0.57). Four out of 363 patients (1.1%) with minor stroke [Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS)-score >30] developed PSE. Seven out of 104 patients (6.3%) with severe stroke developed PSE (P=0.004). In the multivariate analysis SSS-score scores below 30 was a significant predictor for incidence of PSE (odds ratio=6.1, P=0.003). At 12 months the incidence of PSE was 2.5%. SSS-score below 30 was a significant predictor for PSE, whilst age and treatment in SU versus GMW were not.