Post-traumatic seizures-A prospective study from a tertiary level trauma center in a developing country

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited large-scale studies exist in India regarding post-traumatic seizures (PTS).
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and risk factors of post-traumatic seizures (PTS) in Indian patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• To analyze the outcomes associated with PTS in TBI patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 520 TBI patients.
• Exclusion criteria: admission >24 hours post-injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤4.
• Median follow-up of 386 days.

Main Results:

• 59 (11.4%) patients developed PTS.
• Incidence rates: immediate (6.5%), early (2.1%), late (2.7%). Higher incidence in children (18.3%).
• Risk factors for PTS: falls from height, associated medical problems, severe head injury (GCS <9). PTS associated with poor outcomes and behavioral abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Falls from height, GCS <9, and associated medical problems significantly increase PTS risk.
• Approximately one-third of patients with early PTS experienced recurrent delayed seizures.
• PTS negatively impacts patient outcomes in severe head injury.