Determining the Occurrence, Predictors and Contributing Factors of Ischemic Versus Hemorrhagic Stroke Among Patients with Post Stroke Epilepsy; A Comparative Study

Objective: To assess the occurrence, and contributing factors of post-stroke epilepsy in stroke patients and to compare the frequency of ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke in patients presenting at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Materials & Methods: The patients with stroke, fulfilling inclusion criteria admitted to the neurology department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan were recruited in the study. A detailed history of the current illness as well as a history especially related to seizures was questioned. CT scan brain of all the patients was done and type of type i.e., ischemic or hemorrhagic was determined. Patients were followed for 3-month intervals for the occurrence of epilepsy. Results: out of a total of 136 patients with stroke, ischemic stroke was found in 107 (78.7%) patients and hemorrhagic stroke in 29 (21.3%). Most patients were males 80 (58.8%) while 56 (41.2%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 55.55±10.17 years and the mean BMI was 25.26±5.54 kg/m2. The frequency of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking was 21.3%, 48.5%, 44.9%, and 44.1% respectively. Seizure was observed in 35(25.7%) patients with stroke, commonly in hemorrhagic stroke (12/17, 70.58%). Conclusion: Old age, hypertension, and smoking significantly increase stroke risk. Epilepsy can complicate stroke with a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke.