Predictors of Seizure Recurrence after Acute Symptomatic Seizures in Ischemic Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: Seizure is a well-recognized complication of both remote and acute ischemic strokes. Predictors of seizure recurrence and epilepsy in patients with ischemic stroke who develop acute symptomatic seizures (ASyS) on continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) have not been well studied. METHODS: We present a five-year retrospective study of acute and remote ischemic stroke patients who developed ASyS on cEEG. We then identified risk factors for the development of seizure recurrence. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke and ASyS were identified and reviewed. All ASyS were noted to be nonconvulsive seizures. Clinical recurrence of seizures was identified in 19 of these patients (29.2%) at follow-up. Rate of seizure recurrence was higher in remote ischemic stroke patients (84.2%), compared to acute ischemic stroke patients (15.8%, p = 0.0116, OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.049–0.65). Sharp waves/spikes on follow-up EEG significantly correlated with seizure recurrence (p = 0.006, OR 0, 95% CI 0–0.3926). Patients discharged on ≥3 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were at a higher risk of having seizure recurrence (p = 0.0015, OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.0089–0.37). CONCLUSION: We identified risk factors of seizure recurrence in patients with ASyS as remote ischemic stroke, requiring multiple AEDs, and the presence of sharp waves on follow-up EEG. This study highlights the usefulness of cEEG in evaluating patients with acute or remote strokes.