Frequency of seizures after acquired brain injury and the use of antiepileptic drugs. A pilot study
Keywords:
Stroke, traumatic brain injury, seizures, antiepileptic drugs, post-traumatic epilepsyAbstract
Introduction: The reported frequency of seizures after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke
is highly variable depending on the population studied. Diverse antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are
prescribed as prophylactic treatment; however, the optimal duration of this therapy is unknown.
Furthermore, it has recently been shown that some AEDs may have a negative effect on neu-
roplasticity processes. Objective: Given the potential negative effects of the indiscriminate
use of AEDs, the aim of this pilot study was to determine the frequency of post-injury crisis
and chronic use of AEDs in a sample of patients with sequelae of TBI or stroke. Methodol-
ogy: A survey was applied in 100 patients with sequelae of acquired brain injury (stroke or
TBI) to harvest information about their brain injury, the presence of seizures and AEDs use.
Results: A total of 100 patients, 80 with stroke and 20 with TBI, were included. The overall
frequency of seizures in the sample was 20%, being more common after hemorrhagic stroke
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