The comprehensive perspective of post-stroke epilepsy

Abstract

Recent advances in stroke treatment, such as tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment, have brought a dramatic reduction in the mortality rate of stroke. Consequently, the number of stroke survivors living with disability has increased. Epilepsy occurs approximately in 5 to 10% of stroke survivors, and therefore, post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) is a significant complication after stroke. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey of the 189 stroke centers in Japan to determine how PSE is currently diagnosed, treated, and prevented. This review provides a comprehensive perspective of PSE, including the definition, diagnostic criteria, examination tool, and treatment of PSE.