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Seizures After TBI

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Traumatic Brain Injury

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Abstract

Representing approximately 5% of epilepsy in the civilian population and up to 50% in certain military populations, post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE)warrants both increased clinical attention and research considerations. In this chapter, we discuss the important definitions when considering post-traumatic epilepsy including the timing of post-traumatic seizures and the severity of head injuries. We also review the epidemiology and risk factors for in both the civilian population and the military, as these groups vary significantly. In addition, we elucidate potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying PTE and consider its role as a model for epileptogenesis in current and future research. Our clinical discussion focuses on the timing of post-traumatic seizures, the utility of diagnostic testing, the evidence for treatment of PTE and ultimately outcomes. We highlight the relevant studies in each section and underscore the theme that more research is certainly needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    John Betjemann M.D. & Karen Parko M.D.

  2. VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Karen Parko M.D.

Authors
  1. John Betjemann M.D.
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  2. Karen Parko M.D.
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Correspondence to Karen Parko M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. of the Health Sciences, Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, 20814, Maryland, USA

    Jack W. Tsao

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Betjemann, J., Parko, K. (2012). Seizures After TBI. In: Tsao, J. (eds) Traumatic Brain Injury. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87887-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87887-4_10

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