Frequency and Types of Seizures among Patients Presenting with Stroke
Seizure Frequency and Types in Stroke Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i6.3878Keywords:
Stroke, Post-Stroke Seizures, Early Seizures, Late Seizures, Epilepsy, CT BrainAbstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Post-stroke seizures represent an important neurological complication that may occur early or late after the event. However, limited data are available regarding their frequency and characteristics in the local population. Objective: To determine the frequency and types of seizures among patients presenting with stroke. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over six months from May 2023 to November 2023. A total of 177 patients aged 20–80 years with radiologically confirmed stroke were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with prior epilepsy or metabolic derangements known to precipitate seizures were excluded. Post-stroke seizures were classified as early (≤14 days) or late (>14 days to 3 months). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:
The mean age was 49.7 ± 18.1 years, and 61.0% were male. Ischemic stroke occurred in 73.4% of patients. Post-stroke seizures were observed in 14.1% (n=25). Among these, 48.0% were early, and 52.0% were late seizures. No statistically significant associations were found between seizures and stroke subtype (p=0.197), gender (p=0.150), or age category (p=0.320). Conclusions: Post-stroke seizures occurred in 14.1% of patients, with nearly equal early and late distribution. Structured surveillance during acute and subacute phases is warranted.
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