10. Post-Traumatic Seizure Disorder

The Brain Injury Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1998) have noted that there are approximately 422,000 cases of inpatient traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States every year (Kalsbeek et al., 1980). Of all TBI patients who are hospitalized, it is estimated that 5% to 7% will experience post-traumatic seizures (PTS). The number rises to 11% for patients with severe non-penetrating TBI, and up to 35% to 50% for patients with penetrating TBI (Yablon, 1993). 

The same group noted that the occurrence of seizures may be associated with accidental injuries, psychological effects, loss of driving privileges and reduced employability (Brain Injury SIG 1998).  Moreover, there is some theoretical basis to believe that prevention of recurrent early seizures prevents the development of chronic epilepsy (Yablon 1993) which in turn has prompted the widespread use of prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment in those patients regarded at higher risk of developing PTS even though such treatment may have a negative impact in terms of cognitive side effects.