Abstract
Epileptic seizures are one of the important clinical symptoms, and have the possibility to bring about various dysfunctions after cerebral stroke. Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke, but few investigators have discussed swallowing disorders in patients with poststroke epilepsy (PSE). We report the clinical features of swallowing function in PSE to clarify those relationships.
The study subjects were 15 patients (10 males and 5 females) with PSE, who were receiving rehabilitation on an inpatient basis. The age ranged from 59 to 95 years old and the underlying disease was cerebral infarction in all cases. The mean duration from stroke onset to seizures was 37.5±31.7 months. Patients were evaluated for swallowing function using bedside swallowing in the acute phase. Dysphagia based on the patient’s type of diet and outcomes were assessed on discharge.
As results, 6 of 15 patients consuming a regular diet (including porridge) could return home on discharge, but 3 patients were nutritionally managed with a dysphagia diet and 5 patients with enteral feeding were referred to another hospital. One patient died.
In conclusion, up to 50% of patients with PSE had swallowing problems and it influenced their outcome. We suggest that careful correspondence is necessary for patients with PSE with evaluation for swallowing disturbance.
