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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Seizures in the context of occult cerebrovascular disease
Hedley C A Emsley1, Laura M Parkes2
1Department of Neurology, Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9HT, UK; Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK; Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9BG, UK.
Insights
Occult cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a key cause of late-onset seizures (LOS) and epilepsy (LOE). LOS/LOE significantly increases stroke risk, highlighting the bidirectional link between seizures and CVD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- A significant bidirectional relationship exists between seizures and cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
- Occult CVD is a primary cause of late-onset seizures (LOS) and late-onset epilepsy (LOE), particularly from the fourth decade of life.
- LOS/LOE is linked to a threefold increased risk of subsequent clinical stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bidirectional relationship between seizures and CVD.
- To highlight the role of occult CVD in LOS/LOE.
- To emphasize the increased stroke risk associated with LOS/LOE and discuss related factors like hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and natural history studies.
- Exploration of potential epileptogenic mechanisms in CVD.
Main Results:
- Occult CVD is a significant cause of LOS/LOE.
- LOS/LOE elevates the risk of subsequent stroke.
- Hypertension and SVD are implicated in epileptogenesis.
- Potential increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) post-LOS/LOE requires further investigation.
- Bidirectional links between LOS/LOE, cognitive impairment, and dementia are suggested, involving vascular and neurodegenerative interactions.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between CVD and epilepsy, especially late-onset forms, is critical.
- Further research is needed to understand mechanisms, refine epidemiological data, and improve clinical management of patients with LOS/LOE and CVD.
- Addressing vascular factors is crucial for managing LOS/LOE and preventing stroke and cognitive decline.
Abstract:
There is an important bidirectional relationship between seizures and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Aside from poststroke epilepsy, Occult CVD is an important cause of late-onset seizures (LOS) and late-onset epilepsy (LOE). Late-onset seizures/LOE are associated with a threefold increased risk of subsequent clinical stroke. This relationship exists not only in later life, but with 'late-onset' seizures or epilepsy occurring from the fourth decade of life onwards. There is increasing evidence for the importance of hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) in epileptogenesis, but there is a considerable need for further work to elucidate underlying mechanisms. There may be a disproportionately increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after LOS/LOE; this too requires further study. There is also a bidirectional relationship between LOS/LOE and cognitive impairment/dementia: it is likely that there are important interactions between vascular and neurodegenerative pathological processes mediating LOE, stroke, and dementia. There is a pressing need for better epidemiological and natural history data as well as elucidation of epileptogenic mechanisms, in order to progress our understanding and to better inform clinical practice.
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