The frequency, characteristics and prognosis of epileptic seizures at the onset of stroke.
In a series of 230 patients admitted to hospital with a stroke, the frequency and significance of epileptic seizures at onset was assessed. Thirteen (5.7%) suffered single or multiple witnessed seizures at the onset of their stroke. Seizures were evenly distributed among all pathological stroke sub-types but were restricted to lesions in the carotid artery territory. They indicated a poorer prognosis over the first 2 days. Six of the 13 presenting with stroke and seizures had prior seizures and, if they survived, continued to have fits. The five patients surviving with stroke and a first seizure were all fit-free after 30 months follow-up.
Shinton
R A
RA
University Department of Medicine, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Gill
J S
JS
Melnick
S C
SC
Gupta
A K
AK
Beevers
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis