Be aware of seizures after a stroke.

VTV.vn - A 67-year-old man admitted to the emergency room after a seizure and loss of consciousness has been diagnosed with epilepsy following a stroke.

Dr. Dinh Thi Thanh examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

According to Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, the patient had a history of temporal lobe cerebral infarction one year prior. The patient was admitted to the Stroke Center with hand convulsions accompanied by prolonged loss of consciousness lasting approximately 5 minutes.

Doctors quickly performed a brain MRI to rule out recurrent hemorrhage or infarction. The results showed no new lesions. However, an electroencephalogram (EEG) detected paroxysmal spike-like activity in the temporal lobe – the site previously damaged by a stroke.

Based on clinical and paraclinical results, doctors determined that the patient had post-stroke generalized seizures and prescribed anti-epileptic medication to prevent recurrence. After treatment, the patient's condition stabilized and no further seizures occurred.

According to Dr. Dinh Thi Thanh, the temporal lobe has a low seizure threshold. After a stroke, brain cells can scar, forming foci that generate abnormal electrical impulses, causing seizures and loss of consciousness even without new brain damage.

Experts say that post-stroke seizures are divided into two groups: early-onset and late-onset seizures. Early-onset seizures usually appear within the first 7 days after a stroke due to brain edema, hemorrhage, or electrolyte imbalance. Late-onset seizures, on the other hand, may appear months or years later due to brain scarring and permanent structural damage.

A seizure can occur suddenly, causing the patient to lose consciousness, posing a serious risk of accidents if they are driving, cooking, or moving around.

Doctors warn that seizures after a stroke, if not properly treated, can lead to memory loss, psychological disorders, depression, and an increased risk of injury from falls.

Stroke patients need to adhere to treatment, attend regular check-ups, limit alcohol consumption, avoid staying up late, and not stop taking medication on their own. If symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, facial asymmetry, weakness or paralysis of the limbs, or speech disorders appear, they should seek immediate medical attention.

Source: https://vtv.vn/canh-giac-voi-dong-kinh-sau-dot-quy-100260529141606174.htm