Abstract W P333: Seizure as the Presenting Symptom of ICH Patient Characteristics and EEG Utilization

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Seizures are the presenting symptom in a significant number of patients with spontaneous ICH. The role of EEG in the routine evaluation patients, with or without clinical evidence of seizures, is unclear. This study was undertaken to better understand seizures and the use of EEG in patients with ICH. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive spontaneous ICH patients at our institution from 2008-2013. Patients were considered to have a seizure on presentation if a clinical evidence of a seizure was documented in the medical record; EEG data was not required to confirm seizure on presentation. Demographics, vascular risk factors, ICH score, and EEG findings were assessed. Results: Of 402 spontaneous ICH patients (mean age 63, 42% black, 43% female), 10% presented with seizure. Patients presenting with seizure were younger (mean age 65 vs. 54, p<.001). Compared to patients with ICH presenting without a seizure, blacks presented more frequently with seizure (62% vs. 40%, p=.009). A higher proportion of patients who presented with seizure had a history of alcohol use (50% vs. 27%, p=.008) and substance abuse (23% vs. 10%, p=.025). Patients who presented with seizure more frequently had cortical ICH (54% vs. 32%, p=.007). EEGs were performed more frequently in ICH patients that presented with seizure (66% vs. 19%, p<.001). Among patients with an EEG, epileptiform discharges or rhythmic pattern was more common in patients who presented with seizure (30% vs. 10%, p=.040) and with a cortical ICH (29% vs. 9%, p=.036). There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients that received EEG based on race, history of alcohol abuse, or history of substance abuse. Conclusions: Patients who presented with seizure were younger, black, and a higher proportion had a history of alcohol and substance abuse compared to patients with ICH who did not present with a seizure. Only 66% of those presenting with clinical seizure underwent EEG. Despite the prevalence of subclinical seizures in ICH patients, only 19% of patients who did not present with a seizure underwent EEG. Our study suggests that there may be room for improvement on the part of stroke neurologists in the diagnosis and management seizure of ICH patients.