[Clinical analysis of immediate postoperative convulsion]

For the prevention and treatment of immediate postoperative convulsion which develops within 24 hours after neurosurgical operation, clinical analysis of consecutive 1293 cases in Kyoto University Hospital was done. Overall incidence was 3.1% and the incidence was highest in supratentorial craniotomy (5.7%). Previous history of convulsion was not contributory. In 77.5% of all cases, the convulsion was developed within 6 hours after operation and focal convulsion was more often than the generalized one. Status epilepticus was often developed. The incidence of convulsion was well correlated to the level of consciousness. Prognosis was not always poor if appropriate treatment was done without delay. CT showed mild degree of hemorrhage or mass effect. Our study suggests the contribution of focal brain damage at the operation to the development of immediate postoperative convulsion. Further study is necessary to elucidate the pathogenesis and to make appropriate plan to treatment.