Sinus vein thrombosis and epileptic seizures: outcomes of long term follow-up

Abstract

Purpose: In the acute phase of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), approximately 35-50 % of patients diagnosed epileptic seizures. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics, frequency of seizures, prognosis of patients during a one-year follow-up period. Materials and Methods: The files of patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2022 were evaluated in this retrospective study. Demographic features, presence of seizure history and seizure frequency, neuroimaging findings, affected cerebral venous sinuses, and anti-seizure medication use were recorded. Results: A total of 701 patients with acute stroke had their medical records reviewed. Thirty-two of 701 patients (4.56 %) were diagnosed with CVST; 37.5 % of patients experienced early-onset seizures. Seizure control was achieved with monotherapy in 88.8 % (n:8) of patients with seizures. Involved sinuses in patients with seizures; 50 % (n=6) superior sagittal sinus was the most commonly involved sinus and inferior sagittal sinus and sinus rectus were not involved. In terms of sinus involvement, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without seizures. On cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, venous infarcts were detected in 66.7 % (n=8) of patients with seizures, compared to 35 % of patients without seizures. Conclusion: This retrospective study revealed that seizures typically occur early in the disease, have a favorable prognosis over the long term, and can be managed with monotherapy.