Seizures among active component service members, U.S. Armed Forces,2007-2016

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Military Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a recognized risk factor for seizures.
• The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and seizures is known, but its relationship independent of TBI requires further clarification.
• Understanding seizure risk factors within military populations is crucial for healthcare and policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify seizure rates in deployed versus non-deployed military service members.
• To identify demographic and occupational factors associated with seizures.
• To examine the combined impact of TBI and PTSD on seizure occurrence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study utilizing data from 2007-2016.
• Analysis of seizure diagnoses among active component military service members.
• Comparison of seizure rates based on deployment status, diagnoses (TBI, PTSD), and demographic/occupational factors.

Main Results:

• Higher seizure rates were linked to specific military branches (Army, Marine Corps), female gender, Black race, younger age, lower enlisted rank, certain occupations, and fewer previous deployments.
• Associations between these factors and seizures were consistent across deployed and non-deployed groups.
• A TBI or PTSD diagnosis independently increased seizure rates 3-4 fold. Combined diagnoses showed additive effects, with deployed personnel experiencing 2x and non-deployed 3x the rates of those with a single diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Demographic and occupational factors are associated with seizures in military personnel, irrespective of deployment status.
• Both TBI and PTSD are significant independent risk factors for seizures.
• The co-occurrence of TBI and PTSD substantially elevates seizure risk, suggesting a need for targeted clinical management and policy considerations within the military.