Risk Factors For Seizures Research Articles

Risk factors for early seizure after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease

BackgroundTo investigate the risk factors for early seizure after revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD).MethodsA total of 298 patients with MMD diagnosed in our hospital from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. We summarized the characteristics of seizure after revascularization in patients with MMD and analyzed the predictors of early postoperative seizure.ResultsWe identified 15 patients with MMD who developed seizures within 1 week after revascularization. According to logistic regression analysis, age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 0.998–1.086; P = 0.060) and infarct side (OR: 1.92, 95% CI 0.856–4.290; P = 0.113) were not significantly associated with incident early seizure. Postoperative infarction (OR: 12.89, 95% CI 4.198–39.525; P = 0.000) and preoperative cerebral infarction (OR: 4.08, 95% CI 1.267–13.119; P = 0.018) were confirmed as risk factors for early seizure.ConclusionsWe believe that a history of preoperative infarction and new infarction are independent risk factors of early seizure in patients with MMD after revascularization.

Risk Factors of Seizures in Children

Background: As the most prevalent noncontagious neurologic condition, epilepsy is an important cause of mortality and disability in children, and its etiology is an important issue. Objectives: Epilepsy may be induced by different risk factors, some of which may be unclear; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of seizures in children. Methods: Children with seizures admitted to the Pediatric Clinic of Amir-Kabir Hospital were enrolled in this study. First, accurate biography of the parents was taken to rule out other differential diagnoses of seizures. After the diagnosis of seizures, based on the diagnosis of a pediatric neurologist, demographic information, detailed history of seizure, neurologic examination, and process of growth and development were recorded. Then, we take electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans from study cases. Results: Of the 291 evaluated cases, 54.6% were male. Variables associated with seizure and epilepsy evaluation showed that generalized tonic-clonic seizure was the most prevalent seizure in 134 children (46%). The duration of seizures was lower than 15 minutes in 266 cases; in addition, 191 children (55.5%) had a fever before seizures. Regarding underlying diseases, 268 children (92.2%) had no disease. Cerebral palsy (CP) was the most common underlying disease in 10 cases (3.4%). Conclusions: Infectious diseases (such as gastroenteritis and pneumonia) were observed as the most important possible risk factors in this study.

Prevalence and risk factors for seizures in stage-2 of rhodesiense human african trypanosomiasis in zambia from january 2013 to july 2022

Introduction: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a parasitic disease caused by an invasive parasite called the human trypanosomes. The disease is divided into two stages, namely stage-1 and stage-2. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for seizures in stage-2 of Rhodesiense HAT (rHAT) in Zambia from January 2013 to July 2022.
 Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. All case files of patients that were laboratory diagnosed with rHAT from endemic hospitals in Zambia from January 2013 to July 2022 were reviewed.
 Results: A total of 54 casefiles of all HAT patients from January 2013 to July 2022 were reviewed. There were 2 cases with history of seizures in stage-2, one Caucasian and one black Zambian out of 5 and 49 patients, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of seizures between Caucasian and black patients (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in age in occurrence of seizures between patients less than 30 years of age and those 30 years and above (P>0.05). In addition there was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of seizures between sexes (P>0.05).
 Conclusion: Being a Caucasian is probably a risk factor for seizures in stage-2 of Rhodesiense HAT in Zambia.

VEEG monitoring and electrographic seizures in 232 pediatric patients in ICU at a tertiary hospital in China.

To investigate neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) background activity and electrographic seizures in patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) who underwent bedside video-electroencephalography (vEEG) monitoring. A total of 232 pediatric patients admitted or transferred to PICU that underwent vEEG monitoring were retrospectively enrolled in this study, and electrographic status epilepticus was observed after vEEG monitoring. The median age was 1.56 years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-2.44]. Electrographic seizures occurred in 88 patients (37.9%), out of which 36 cases (40.9%) had electrographic status epilepticus. Prior epileptic encephalopathy diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 6.57, 95% CI = 1.91-22.59, p = 0.003], interictal epileptiform discharges (OR = 46.82, 95%CI = 5.31-412.86, p = 0.0005), slow disorganized EEG background (OR = 11.92, 95%CI = 1.31-108.71, p = 0.028), and burst-suppression EEG background (OR = 23.64, 95%CI = 1.71-327.57, p = 0.018) were the risk factors for electrographic seizures' occurrence. Of the 232 patients, the condition of 179 (77.2%) patients improved and they were discharged, 34 cases (14.7%) were withdrawn, and 18 cases (7.8%) died. The in-hospital death rate was 47.6% (10 in 21 cases) in patients with attenuated/featureless, compared to 0/23 with normal EEG background. Electrographic status epilepticus occurs in more than one-third of patients with electrographic seizures. vEEG is an efficient method to determine electrographic seizures in children. Abnormal EEG background activity is associated with both electrographic seizures' occurrence and unfavorable in-hospital outcomes.

Seizure Evolution and Outcome in Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis

BackgroundOur study aimed to characterize seizure incidence and seizure outcome of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis (AE) focusing on subgroup analysis based on antibody (Ab). MethodsAmong 110 pediatric patients with AE, we compared seizure characteristics and outcomes in 68 patients with seizure, who satisfied the proposed criteria of pediatric AE. Accordingly, patients were classified into three groups, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) AE, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (anti-NMDAR) AE, and Ab-negative AE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for postencephalitic seizures, defined as persisting seizures six months after onset. ResultsSeizure incidence in the anti-NMDAR (88.9%) and Ab-negative (71.1%) groups differed from anti-MOG group (37.8%). Median seizure frequency within six months was higher in the Ab-negative group (6.0, interquartile range [IQR] 3.0 to 13.0) than in the anti-NMDAR group (3.0, IQR 2.0 to 4.5) and anti-MOG group (2.0, IQR 1.0 to 5.0). Patients in the Ab-negative group tended to develop postencephalitic seizures more frequently and have a lower seizure freedom rate than those in the anti-NMDAR and anti-MOG groups. Ab-negative status, high seizure frequency within six months, and the presence of status epilepticus were associated with the development of postencephalitic seizures on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, Ab-negative status remained the only significant variable linked with postencephalitic seizure (odds ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 18.05). ConclusionsWe delineated the seizure incidence, evolution, and outcome of pediatric patients with Ab-positive and Ab-negative AE. Ab-negative status is predictive of higher seizure burden, more frequent development of postencephalitic seizures, and less favorable seizure outcome than anti-NMDAR and anti-MOG Ab-positive status.

Effect of perioperative seizures on mortality and recurrence in patients with brain metastases.

To identify the independent risk factors for 30-day perioperative seizures, as well as to evaluate the effect of perioperative seizures on overall mortality and tumor recurrence among patients who underwent surgical resection of brain metastases. Patients who underwent surgical resection of brain metastases at our institution between 2011 and 2019 were included. 30-day perioperative seizures were defined as the presence of any preoperative or postoperative seizures diagnosed by a neurosurgeon or neurologist within 30 days of metastases resection. Independent risk factors for 30-day perioperative seizures were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression models were constructed to evaluate the effects of 30-day perioperative seizures on overall mortality and tumor recurrence. Subgroup analyses were conducted for 30-day preoperative and 30-day postoperative seizures. A total of 158 patients were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age was 59.3 (12.0) years, and 20 (12.7%) patients had 30-day perioperative seizures. The presence of 30-day preoperative seizures (OR=41.4; 95% CI=4.76, 924; p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for 30-day postoperative seizures. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that any 30-day perioperative seizure (HR=3.25; 95% CI=1.60, 6.62; p=0.001) was independently and significantly associated with overall mortality but not tumor recurrence (HR=1.95; 95% CI=0.78, 4.91; p=0.154). Among patients with resected brain metastases, the presence of any 30-day perioperative seizure was independently associated with overall mortality. This suggests that 30-day perioperative seizures may be a prognostic marker of poor outcome. Further research evaluating this association as well as the effect of perioperative antiepileptic drugs in patients with resected brain metastases may be warranted.

Impact of seizures and their prophylaxis with antiepileptic drugs on rehabilitation course of patients with traumatic or hemorrhagic brain injury.

To determine whether, in patients undergoing rehabilitation after traumatic or hemorrhagic brain injury, seizures and the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) negatively impact on functional outcome, and, in turn, whether prophylactic AED therapy can prevent the development of seizures. Observational retrospective study. Highly specialized inpatient neurorehabilitation clinic. Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), or hemorrhagic stroke (HS) consecutively admitted to our neurorehabilitation unit between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018. Patients' demographic data, neurological status (Glasgow Coma Scale), and rehabilitation outcome (Functional Independence Measure scale), both assessed on admission and on discharge, associated neurosurgical procedures (craniectomy, or cranioplasty), AED use, early or late seizures occurrence, and death during hospitalization. Of 740 patients, 162 (21.9%) had seizures, and prophylactic AEDs were started in 192 (25.9%). Multivariate logistic regression identified severity of brain injury as a risk factor for acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) in HS (OR = 1.800, 95%CI = 1.133-1.859, p = 0.013), and for unprovoked seizures (US) in TBI (OR = 1.679, 95%CI = 1.062-2.655, p = 0.027). Prophylaxis with AEDs reduced ASS frequency, but, if protracted for months, was associated with US occurrence (HS, p < 0.0001; TBI, p = 0.0002; vs. untreated patients). Presence of US (β = -0.12; p < 0.0001) and prophylaxis with AEDs (β = -0.09; p = 0.002), were associated with poor functional outcome, regardless of age, severity of brain insult, and HS vs. TBI subtype. Severity of brain injury and occurrence of seizures during neurorehabilitation are the main driver of poor outcome in both HS and TBI. The possible detrimental role on the epileptogenic and functional outcome played by seizures prophylaxis with AEDs, nonetheless useful to prevent ASS if administered over the first week after the brain injury, warrants further investigation.

Iron deficiency as risk factor for febrile convulsion and the association of iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsion

Background: Febrile seizure occurs in 2–5% of neurologically healthy infants and children. The recurrence of febrile seizures is 30% after single episode, 50% after 2 or more episodes, and 50% when febrile seizures occur in infants. Their incidence of febrile seizures in India is 10–17% which is higher than in developed countries (2–7%). Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate iron deficiency (ID) as a risk factor for febrile convulsion and the association of ID anemia with febrile convulsions. Materials and Methods: This was an observational case–control study conducted in tertiary care center in central India between December 2019 and June 2021. All patients with febrile seizures taken as cases and control from similar age group with febrile illness. Body temperature of children in both the groups was measured and recorded. The blood tests of complete blood count, serum iron, and TIBC were performed. Results: In the present study, mean age was 2.33 years in case and mean age was 2.204 years in control. The mean hemoglobin levels were 8.25±1 g/dL in the febrile seizure case group and 9.86±1.49 g/dL in the control group; and their statistical difference was significant. Serum ferritin values was significantly lower among cases group than the control group. The average of MCV, MCH, and MCHC for the case group was less than that of the control group. The present study also demonstrates an association between ID and febrile seizures. Thus, ID is one of the possible risk factors for febrile seizures. Conclusion: The present study showed that hemoglobin, MCV, serum ferritin, and serum iron levels are significantly lower in children suffering from febrile seizures, suggesting that a low iron status has an important role in children with febrile seizures. Thus, ID is predictor for febrile convulsion.

Risk Factors of First Episode Simple Febrile Seizures in Children Aged 6 Month to 5 Year: A Case Control Study

To study the risk factors of first episode simple febrile seizures in children. This case control study was conducted at the pediatric department of our tertiary care hospital. Cases were children of age group 6 months to 5 years presenting with first simple febrile seizures (n=214), and Controls were children of same age group presenting with short febrile illness but without any seizures (n=214). Blood investigations were done to diagnose iron deficiency, which was diagnosed by adopting cut off of hemoglobin value <11 g/dL, serum ferritin < 12 ng/mL and red cell distribution width >15%. Other risk factors studied included age, gender, socioeconomic status, prematurity, family history of febrile seizure and epilepsy in first degree relatives, consanguinity, neonatal hospital admissions, day care attendance (for >1 mo), under nutrition, and immunization status of the child. Univariate analysis for crude odds ratio and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) was performed to study the adjusted odds ratio and independent risk factors. The significant risk factors for first episode simple febrile seizure were iron deficiency [OR (95% CI) 5.78 (3.56-9.38); P=0.001], family history of febrile seizure [OR 4.31 (2.37- 7.83), P<0.001] or epilepsy [OR 4.25(2.21-8.19), P<0.001] in first degree relatives, day care attendance for >1 month [OR 4.81 (2.41-9.59), P<0.001], and prematurity at birth [OR 5.18 (2.48-10.84), P<0.001]. Iron deficiency, family history of febrile seizure and epilepsy in first degree relatives, day care attendance and premature birth are the risk factors for first episode simple febrile seizures in children.

Association between Subclinical Epileptiform Discharge and the Severity of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Aging is a risk factor for both AD and seizures. Subclinical epileptiform discharge (SED) has no evident clinical manifestation in patients with AD. Therefore, SED is liable to be overlooked in these patients since electroencephalography is not routinely performed in clinical settings. Previous studies about the association between SED and AD have yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SED and its effect on AD severity and clinical outcomes. Patients with AD from Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-tung Hospital were included in this study. International 10-20 system scalp electroencephalography for 13 minutes was performed to detect SED. Clinical outcomes of patients with and without SED were assessed by neuropsychological tests [Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB)]. 288 patients (mean age 80.5 years, 60.4% female) were enrolled in this study. Fifty-seven (19.8%) out of 288 patients with AD had SED. The prevalence of SED increased with the severity of cognitive impairment. Compared with patients without SED, those with SED showed significantly greater decline in CASI (-9.32 versus -3.52 points, p = 0.0001) and MMSE (-2.52 versus -1.12 points, p = 0.0042) scores in one year. SED may play a significant role in AD progression and is a potential therapeutic target.

Association between minimally invasive surgery and late seizures in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: A propensity score matching study

PurposeThe association between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hematoma evacuation and late seizures after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether MIS increases the risk of late seizures after ICH and identify the risk factors for late seizures in this patient subgroup.MethodsWe retrospectively included consecutive inpatients diagnosed with ICH at two tertiary hospitals in China. The subjects were divided into the MIS group (ICH patients who received MIS including hematoma aspiration and thrombolysis) and conservative treatment group (ICH patients who received conservative medication). Propensity score matching was performed to balance possible risk factors for late seizures between the MIS and conservative treatment groups. Before and after matching, between-group comparisons of the incidence of late seizures were performed between the MIS and conservative treatment groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for late seizures in MIS-treated patients.ResultsA total of 241 and 1,689 patients were eligible for the MIS and conservative treatment groups, respectively. After matching, 161 ICH patients from the MIS group were successfully matched with 161 ICH patients from the conservative treatment group (1:1). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between the MIS group (31/241, 12.9%) and conservative treatment group (69/1689, 4.1%) in the incidence of late seizures before matching. However, after matching, no significant differences (p = 0.854) were found between the MIS group (17/161, 10.6%) and conservative treatment group (16/161, 9.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that cortical involvement (OR = 2.547; 95% CI = 1.137–5.705; p value = 0.023) and higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (OR = 1.050; 95% CI = 1.008–1.094; p value = 0.019) were independent risk factors for late seizures.ConclusionOur study revealed that receiving MIS did not increase the incidence of late seizures after ICH. Additionally, cortical involvement and NIHSS scores were independent risk factors for late seizures in MIS-treated patients.

A Novel Radiographic and Clinical Assessment Scoring Tool for Seizure Risk Stratification in the Acute Phase of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Nearly 40% of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) cases experience a seizure. A plethora of problems may arise from seizures. Many of these are well recognized in literature as well as in clinical practice. These include the risk for acute respiratory failure, acute renal injury, demand ischemia of myocardium, aspiration pneumonia, and a variety of musculoskeletal injury. Given the lack of a validated tool to predict seizure in the acute phase of CVST, the use of prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to identify risk factors to construct a clinical prediction tool for seizure in acute CVST. Methods: Systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Observational studies that investigated the risk factors for seizure in acute CVST were retrieved from MEDLINE, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Pro-Quest. The summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated from the pool of data under the random effects model. A point value of 1, 2, or 3 was assigned to each risk factor based on their β-coefficient in the predictive model. Discriminative ability of this model was evaluated on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Initial literature search revealed 1,046 articles discussing seizure as a complication of acute CVST. Through a robust systematic review process with two independent reviewers, 14 studies fully meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Data elements extracted from the studies were analyzed and re-synthesized. Anatomical involvement of frontal lobe (OR: 4.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.52 - 6.68), parietal lobe (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.41 - 4.52), cortical vein thrombosis (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 2.18 - 4.58), hemorrhagic venous ischemia (OR: 3.85; 95% CI: 3.20 - 4.64), and clinical presentation of motor deficit (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 2.66 - 3.55) or confusion (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.57 - 2.94) showed a strong association with increased risk for seizure in the setting of acute CVST. We developed a novel Radiographic and Clinical Assessment (RC) scoring system, consisting of the significant six risk factors. RC score yielded a calculated area under the curve of 0.89, with probabilities for seizure ranging from 40% with a score of 0 to 92% for score of 6. Conclusions: RC scoring tool can be used to stratify the seizure risk based on radiographic findings and the clinical presentation in the acute phase of CVST. This predictive tool may be helpful in identifying patients whose seizure risk is high and can potentially further be used as a clinical decision support tool for prophylactic AED treatment. J Neurol Res. 2022;12(3):114-120 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jnr731

Epilepsy Risk Following Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss.

A previous study reported finding that epilepsy risk is elevated after bariatric surgery for weight loss; however, this association has not been adequately explored. Our objectives were to (1) estimate the risk of epilepsy after bariatric surgery for weight loss relative to a nonsurgical cohort of patients with an obesity diagnosis and (2) identify epilepsy risk factors among bariatric surgery recipients. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Participants were accrued between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, and followed until December 31, 2019. All Ontario residents aged 18 years and older who had bariatric surgery during the accrual period were eligible for inclusion in our exposed cohort. Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of obesity and who did not have bariatric surgery during the accrual period were eligible for inclusion in our unexposed cohort. We excluded patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, various seizure or epilepsy risk factors, psychiatric disorders, or drug or alcohol abuse/dependence. In our primary analysis, we used inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for confounding. A marginal Cox proportional hazards model was then used to estimate the risk of epilepsy associated with bariatric surgery. A Cox model was also used to identify epilepsy risk factors among exposed participants. The final sample included 16,958 exposed participants and 622,514 unexposed participants. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the estimated rates of epilepsy were 50.1 and 34.1 per 100,000 person-years among those who did and did not have bariatric surgery, respectively. The hazard ratio for developing epilepsy after bariatric surgery was 1.45 (95% CI = 1.35, 1.56). Among participants who received bariatric surgery, stroke during follow-up increased epilepsy risk (HR = 14.03, 95% CI = 4.26, 46.25). In this study, we found that patients with a history of bariatric surgery were at increased risk of developing epilepsy. These findings suggest that epilepsy is a long-term risk associated with bariatric surgery for weight loss.

Prevalence and risk factors of functional seizures among adult Sudanese patients with epilepsy, a cross-sectional clinic-based study.

BackgroundEpilepsy can be associated with functional seizures. Our main aim is to assess functional seizures' prevalence and risk factors among adult Sudanese patients with epilepsy.MethodsThis cross-sectional clinic-based study was conducted from January to February 2021 at Daoud Charity Clinic in Omdurman city, Sudan. Ninety-nine adult Sudanese patients with epilepsy were included. Data were collected using a validated interview-based semi-structured questionnaire. A senior consultant neurologist and a consultant psychiatrist diagnosed the functional seizures based on full clinical history and investigations. The diagnosis was performed according to International League against epilepsy (ILAE) classification.ResultsThis study included 99 patients with epilepsy, 57% were females, 79% reside in Khartoum state, and 32% reached secondary school. The main types of epilepsy were generalized tonic-clonic (68%), followed by focal seizures with impaired awareness (11%). The majority of the patients have been diagnosed with epilepsy for over three years (65%). Comorbid epilepsy and functional seizures were found in 29% of the patients, with a significantly higher prevalence in patients with social problems and depression (p = 0.005 and p < 0.01, respectively). Patients with depression had a 14 times higher risk of functional seizures than those without depression, 95% CI [3.8, 52.3].ConclusionA remarkably high prevalence of functional seizures was found among adult patients with epilepsy. Patients suffering from social problems and/or depression and poor economic status had a higher tendency to develop functional seizures, especially after two to three years of treatment and above.

Risk factors for postoperative seizures in patients with chronic subdural haematomas

Postoperative seizures are a frequently occurring yet not well-understood complication in patients undergoing surgical treatment of chronic subdural haematomas (cSDHs). Therefore, we investigated surgical and non-surgical risk factors that are commonly considered causal in provoking epileptic seizures, paying special attention to the intracranial course of the subdural drain (SDD) and the configuration of the haematoma. Data of patients with a cSDH, that were treated at our neurosurgical department between 2008 and 2014 were analysed. Patients suffering from severe pre-existing conditions and those who have been treated conservatively were excluded. Epidemiologic data as well as relevant clinical data were collected. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were analysed regarding morpho- and volumetric parameters. In order to objectify the influence of the SDD, its intracranial course and localisation (entering angle as well as the angle between drain and brain surface) were measured. For statistical analysis, univariate and multiple logistic regression models as well as Fisher’s exact test were used. Two hundred eleven consecutive patients have been included. Mean age was 75.6 years, and 69% were male. Nineteen (9%) patients suffered from postsurgical seizures. Membranes within the haematoma were present in 81.5%. Pre- to postoperative haematoma reduction was significant (mean of difference − 12.76 mm/ − 9.47 mm in coronal/axial CT planes, p = 0.001/ < 0.001). In 77.9%, SDD showed cortical contact with eloquent regions and had an unfavourable course in 30 cases (14.2%). Surgical complications consisted of cortical bleeding in 2.5%, fresh subdural haematoma in 33.5% and wound infections in 1.4% of patients. Neither in univariate nor in multiple regression analyses any of the following independent variates was significantly correlated with postsurgical seizures: pre-existing epilepsy, alcohol abuse, right-sided haematomas, localization and thickness of haematoma, presence of septations, SDD-localization and to-brain angle, subdural air, and electrolyte levels. Instead, in multiple regression analyses, we found the risk of postsurgical seizures to be significantly correlated and increased with left-sided cSDH treated via craniotomy (p = 0.03) and an unfavourable course of the SDD in left-sided cSDH (p = 0.033). Burr hole trepanation should be preferred over craniotomy and care must be taken when placing a SDD to avoid irritating cortical tissue. The configuration of the haematoma does not appear to affect the postoperative seizure rate.

Investigations in children with seizures visiting a pediatric emergency department: A monocenter study.

Neurological disorders, in particular seizure, are one of the reasons for admission in pediatric emergency departments (PED). We aimed to evaluate the frequency and the relevance of each investigation for seizure management in the PED. We conducted a one-year retrospective study. Based on predefined criteria, we evaluate the appropriateness of the investigations. Logical regression was used to study the risk factors for acute symptomatic seizure (ASS). We identified 691 visits to the PED for an epileptic event over an annual volume of 80,320 visits. Seizures occurring in Children with epilepsy were the most frequent epileptic events seen in the PED (42%). Looking at the investigation performed in the PED, a blood electrolytes analysis was performed in 26%, neuroimaging in 9%, electroencephalography recording in 9% and LP in 5% of patients. ASSs represented 2.1% of the seizures and 0.6% of PED neurological visits. In the multivariate analysis, an initial abnormal neurological examination (OR, 20.92 [4.87; 89.81, p<0.0001) was the only risk factor that remained significantly associated with ASS. A seizure occurring in an epilepsy patient was significantly associated with an unprovoked seizure (OR, 0.12 [0.02; 0.57], p<0.008). All ASSs were associated with a positive or abnormal examination. Moreover, there is a significant proportion of investigations requested in cases of an epileptic event that did not lead to a diagnosis or modification of the management. Based on our methods, there seems to be an overuse of investigations for seizure in children with epilepsy.

Factors Associated With New-Onset Seizures Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Newly Diagnosed Brain Metastases

PurposeStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a highly effective therapy for newly diagnosed brain metastases. Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs are no longer routinely used in current SRS practice, owing to a perceived low overall frequency of new-onset seizures and potential side effects of medications. It is nonetheless desirable to prevent unwanted side effects following SRS. Risk factors for new-onset seizures after SRS have not been well established. As such, we aimed to characterize variables associated with increased seizure risk. Methods and MaterialsPatients treated with SRS for newly diagnosed brain metastases between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution. Data on baseline demographics, radiation parameters, and clinical courses were collected. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 305 patients treated with SRS without prior seizure history. Median age and baseline Karnofsky Performance Scale score were 64 years (interquartile range, 55-70) and 80 (interquartile range, 80-90), respectively. Twenty-six (8.5%) patients developed new-onset seizures within 3 months of SRS. There was no association between new-onset seizures and median baseline Karnofsky Performance Scale score, prior resection, or prior whole brain radiation therapy. There were significant differences in the combined total irradiated volume (12.5 vs 3.7 cm3, P < .001), maximum single lesion volume (8.8 vs 2.8 cm3, P = .003), lesion diameter (3.2 vs 2.0 cm, P = .003), and number of lesions treated (3 vs 1, P = .018) between patients with and without new-onset seizures, respectively. On multivariate logistic regression, total irradiated volume (odds ratio, 1.09 for every 1-cm1 increase in total volume; confidence interval, 1.02-1.17; P = .016) and pre-SRS neurologic symptoms (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-7.99; P = .020) were both significantly correlated with odds of seizures following SRS. ConclusionsOur data suggest that larger total treatment volume and the presence of focal neurologic deficits at presentation are associated with new-onset seizures within 3 months of SRS. High-risk patients undergoing SRS may benefit from counseling or prophylactic antiseizure therapy.

Prevalence and associations of classic psychedelic-related seizures in a population-based sample

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported links between classic psychedelic use and seizures, but little remains known about prevalence and potential risk factors of classic psychedelic-related seizures. MethodsUsing a sample representative of the US adult population with regard to sex, age, and ethnicity (N = 2822), this study examined the prevalence and potential risk factors of classic psychedelic-related seizures, in a subsample of respondents who reported lifetime classic psychedelic use (n = 613). ResultsAmong those who reported lifetime classic psychedelic use, 1.5 % reported classic psychedelic-related seizures, a statistic that comports with the prevalence of epilepsy in the US population. Among those who reported seizures while using a classic psychedelic, almost half reported co-use of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or opioid replacement therapies at the time of the seizures. Notably, classic psychedelic-related seizures were more commonly reported in certain respondents, especially those with a personal or family history of epilepsy. ConclusionsThese results suggest that classic psychedelic use could increase the risk of seizures in certain populations, particularly those with a personal or family history of epilepsy.

Seizures in children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of seizures and short-term mortality associated with seizures in children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 2021. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative meta-analysis. The cumulative estimate of seizure incidence was 15% (95% CI: 12–17%). Studies using electroencephalography reported a higher incidence of seizures compared with those using electro-clinical criteria (19% vs. 9%, P = 0.034). Furthermore, 75% of seizures were subclinical. Children receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) exhibited a higher incidence of seizures compared to children with respiratory and cardiac indications. Seizure incidence was higher in patients undergoing venoarterial (VA) ECMO compared with venovenous (VV) ECMO. The pooled odds ratio of mortality was 2.58 (95% CI: 2.25–2.95) in those developed seizures.ConclusionThe incidence of seizures in children requiring ECMO was 15% and majority of seizures were subclinical. The incidence of seizures was higher in patients receiving ECPR than in those with respiratory and cardiac indications. Seizures were more frequent in patients undergoing VA ECMO than VV ECMO. Seizures were associated with increased short-term mortality.Impact The incidence of seizures in children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was ~15% and majority of the seizures were subclinical.Seizures were associated with increased short-term mortality.Risk factors for seizures were extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and venoarterial ECMO.Electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is recommended in children undergoing ECMO and further studies on the optimal protocol for EEG monitoring are necessary.

Correction: Risk Factors for Clinical Seizures in Neonates with Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia.

Correction: Risk Factors for Clinical Seizures in Neonates with Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia.