The effect of seizures on recovery of function following cortical contusion in the rat

The effect of seizures on recovery of motor function was studied in rats following unilateral contusion of the sensorimotor cortex. Animals receiving two electroconvulsive seizures (ECSs) within the first 24 hours postcontusion showed accelerated recovery of beam-walking ability, reduced volume of necrosis and less spontaneous activity compared to animals receiving only contusions. Animals receiving seven ECSs after contusion had an even smaller volume of necrosis and also reduced spontaneous activity compared to the two ECS group and to controls receiving contusions alone. However, for recovery of beam-walking ability, the seven ECS group did not differ from control rats receiving only contusions. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of seizures on catcholamines, gamma-amino butyric acid, cerebral blood flow and possible effects on remote functional depression after brain injury.