Differences between post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy: a clinical literature review
Sumika Ouchida, Greg Fairbrother, Mary AxonIntroduction:
Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in older adults, accounting for more than half of new cases in those aged >60. Post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy are associated with increased risk of death and disability.
Aims:
To explore the incidence, clinical features and underlying mechanisms of post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy and distinguish early post-stroke seizures from late post-stroke seizures and post-stroke epilepsy, in order to highlight risk factors and treatment implications.
Methods:
The authors conducted a literature review via Medline, Embase and PubMed (2015–2025), using the terms ‘seizures,’ ‘epilepsy’ and ‘stroke.’ They included peer-reviewed adult studies on post-stroke seizures and excluded non-English articles, paediatric studies and studies without primary data.
Conclusions:
The incidence of early post-stroke seizure and late post-stroke seizure/post-stroke epilepsy is significant. Estimates vary by setting and methodology. Diagnosis is performed through electroencephalography and advanced neuroimaging techniques. Personalised management is essential and prognostic evaluation is necessary.