Acute epileptiform abnormalities are the primary predictors of post-stroke epilepsy: a matched, case-control study

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2022 Apr;9(4):558-563. doi: 10.1002/acn3.51534. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

Abstract

Stroke patients who underwent continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring within 7 days of presentation and developed post-stroke epilepsy (PSE; cases, n = 36) were matched (1:2 ratio) by age and follow-up duration with ones who did not (controls, n = 72). Variables significant on univariable analysis [hypertension, smoking, hemorrhagic conversion, pre-cEEG convulsive seizures, and epileptiform abnormalities (EAs)] were included in the multivariable logistic model and only the presence of EAs on EEG remained significant PSE predictor [OR = 11.9 (1.75-491.6)]. With acute EAs independently predicting PSE development, accounting for their presence may help to tailor post-acute symptomatic seizure management and aid anti-epileptogenesis therapy trials.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Stroke* / complications