Post-traumatic seizures--a prospective, multicenter, large case study after head injury in China

Epilepsy Res. 2013 Dec;107(3):272-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.10.006. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) is a well-known sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The risk factors for PTS are still controversial. Studies on PTS in China are rare and no large prospective, multicenter-based studies are available.

Methods: Data were collected from 15 hospitals prospectively using standardized structured questionnaires in Shandong, a province in China with a follow-up of 2 years.

Results: A total of 3093 traumatic brain injury patients were validated and entered in this analysis. After 6 months of follow-up, 181 (59.9%) patients were identified as having PTS. The number were 236 (78.1%) and 302 after 1 year and 2 years' follow-up, respectively. The cumulative 24-month-rate of PTS is 9.8%. Among these 302 patients, 242 were male (80.1%) and 60 female (19.9%). A marked peak was seen in the young people group aged 15-24 (27.8%). Three factors were identified as significant in the multivariate model of PTS: Frontal-temporal lobar contusion, Linear fracture and Severity of TBI measured by initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

Conclusion: This prospective cohort study shows the epidemiologic features and risk factors of PTS in China. Frontal-temporal lobar contusion, linear fracture and severity of TBI measured by initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) are risk factors for PTS. It is essential to establish a standard surveillance system for PTS.

Keywords: Multicenter; Post-traumatic seizures; Prospective; Risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Brain Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures / diagnosis*
  • Seizures / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult