Study of Incidence and Risk Factors of Seizures in Post-Traumatic Brain Injuries Patients

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are recognized risk factors for post-traumatic seizures (PTSs) and subsequent epilepsy. However, predicting seizure outcomes in TBI patients remains challenging. Our study sought to investigate seizure incidence following TBIs and identify associated risk factors. Material and Methods: Conducted at S.S Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre Hospital, Davangere, our study enrolled 110 head injury patients. Detailed clinical histories were recorded, complemented by CT brain scans and routine tests. Patients were monitored for a month, and statistical analyses were employed to determine seizure rates and risk factors. Results: Subjects had an average age of 38.35 ± 14.84 years, with a majority falling within the 21–30 age group. Of the participants, 85.5% were male. Road traffic accidents accounted for 71.8% of injuries, assaults for 3.6%, falls from height for 5.5%, and self-falls for 19.1%. Notably, loss of consciousness (90%) and vomiting (69.1%) were the most common presentations. Assessing head injury severity using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), we observed 39.1% with mild, 30% with moderate and 30.9% with severe TBI. Remarkably, the cumulative incidence of seizures was 11.8%, indicating a significant seizure risk in this population. Seizures occurred in 10.9% of patients within 24 hours post-injury and in 2.7% between 1 and 7 days. No seizures were noted after 1 month of follow-up. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the elevated seizure risk in TBI patients, particularly those with GCS ≤8, those undergoing neurosurgery, and chronic alcohol users. To pre-empt seizure episodes, early administration of prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs is advised.

Keywords

• cerebral edema
• glasgow coma scale
• traumatic brain injury