[Incidence of epilepsy after cerebrovascular accident in Parakou in 2014].

INTRODUCTION

Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) are one of the main acquired causes of epilepsy in adults, but little data are available on the incidence of epilepsy after a stroke in Africa. This study aims to estimate the impact of epilepsy in stroke patients in Parakou.

METHODS

We conducted a dynamic cohort study including 203 stroke patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital of Parakou. Patients with a history of epilepsy were excluded from the follow-up. Patients were monitored over a 21-month period from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2014. Epilepsy was defined according to the International League Against Epilepsy criteria.

RESULTS

Patients were aged 18-99 years, with an average age of 58.4 ± 14.2 years. The median of consultation time after symptoms was 54,3 h (+/-112,9h). Ischemic strokes accounted for 45.8%, haemorrhagic strokes 31% and indeterminate strokes 23.2%. The cumulative impact of epilepsy was 17. The incidence density rate of epilepsy was 9.8 per 100 person-years. Factors associated with the occurrence of epilepsy were the educational level, the duration of hospitalization and Barthel score.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of epilepsy is very high; hence, taking into consideration the factors associated with it during the implementation of a treatment strategy may reduce its overall load.