Factors predictive of outcome in posttraumatic seizures

Abstract

Background: Seizures are important neurologic complications of traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is a need for better delineation of potential prognostic factors and outcomes in patients with posttraumatic seizures (PTS) who could receive treatment when brought to the hospital.

Methods: In this 10-year retrospective study, 170 adult patients with PTS were enrolled in this study. The degree of seizure control was analyzed using a Seizure Frequency Scoring System, which classified them into excellent and nonexcellent outcomes.

Results: There were 170 patients with acute symptomatic seizure enrolled in this study, 106 of whom had early PTS, whereas 64 had late PTS. Of the 106 early PTS, 58% (61 of 106) occurred within 24 hours of trauma. Risk factors for developing nonexcellent outcome included patients who undergo surgical intervention and presence of late-provoked seizures during the acute phase of TBI.

Conclusions: Seizures are an important neurologic complication of TBI. Regarding the potentially side effects of antiepileptic drugs, antiepileptic therapy should be carefully administrated in those nonexcellent outcome patients.