Prevalence of Seizures in Hospitalizations with Traumatic Brain Injury: A U.S. Population-Based Study

In the United States, data on outcomes in adults hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concomitant seizures are limited. Here, we report on a feasibility analysis to understand the prevalence and consequences of concomitant seizures in patients with TBI. A retrospective database study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample 2016-2020. Hospitalizations in patients (≥18 years of age) with TBI were assessed and stratified into groups either with or without concomitant seizures. All patient data were stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, and payer type. The primary outcome was the prevalence of seizures or epilepsy among hospitalizations for TBI. Other outcome variables recorded were mean charges, length of hospital stay, and case fatality. Overall, 1,591,575 hospitalizations with TBI were assessed over the study period. TBI prevalence remained relatively constant throughout the study period and was higher in men and those aged ≥65 years. Concomitant seizures were observed in 12.2% of all patients and were highest for men, the 45-64 years age group, and Black and Native Americans. Mean charges were significantly higher and length of hospital stay was significantly longer in TBI hospitalizations with seizures compared with those without seizures across all study years. No significant difference in case fatality between patients with seizures compared with those without seizures was observed. Data from this analysis showed differences in demographics and outcomes for TBI hospitalizations with versus without concomitant seizures, highlighting potential disparities in health care for patients experiencing seizures that warrant further research.