Forefront in the diagnosis and treatment of post–stroke epilepsy

Abstract

Post–stroke epilepsy (PSE) is divided into two categories. Early seizures (ES) typically occur within one week after stroke onset and are also termed ‘acute symptomatic seizures’, whereas late seizures (LS) have a peak within 6–12 months with a higher recurrence rate. PSE is about 10% as a stroke complication, but its rate is as high as 30 to 40% in the cause of elderly–onset epilepsy. Although there is no evidence for the treatment of post–stroke epilepsy, antiepileptic drug treatment should be considered in the event of an unprovoked first seizure. We hope that new antiepileptic drugs will be effective as the evidence accumulates. This review provides a comprehensive perspective of PSE, including the definition, diagnostic criteria, examination tool, and treatment of PSE.