The Incidence and Associated Risk factors for Postencephalitic Seizures and Postencephalitic Epilepsy
Panchalee Chaiwirattana, MD1, Krittika Siritanan, MD1
Affiliation : 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background: Postencephalitic seizure and postencephalitic epilepsy show an association with increases in morbidity and mortality. Currently, Thailand’s data regarding the incidence and associated risk factors for these conditions are limited.
Objective: To investigate the incidence of postencephalitic seizure and postencephalitic epilepsy among Thai people and identify the associated risk factors.
Materials and Methods: The present study aimed to investigate all patients who experienced acute encephalitis at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2022. Patients manifesting seizures were classified into two groups, namely, the postencephalitic seizure and postencephalitic epilepsy groups, based on the definition of International League Against Epilepsy.
Results: Of 197 patients with no history of epilepsy and who presented with acute encephalitis, 41 (20.8%) developed seizures. Specifically, 20 patients (10.1%) belonged to the postencephalitic seizure group and 21 (10.7%) to the postencephalitic epilepsy group. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients aged 60 years or younger are more likely to develop seizures than those without.
Conclusion: The incidences of postencephalitic seizures and postencephalitic epilepsy were 10.1% and 10.7%, respectively. Age ≤60 years old was associated more with the patients who experienced seizures compared with those who did not.
Received 10 April 2024 | Revised 4 June 2024 | Accepted 16 July 2024
Keywords : Postencephalitic seizures; Postencephalitic epilepsy; Acute encephalitis; Seizure
