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Poststroke epilepsy (PSE) is a feared complication after stroke and is reported in 3% to 5% of stroke survivors. In this study we sought to identify incidence and predictors of PSE in an unselected stroke population with a follow-up period of 7 years. The study was community-based and comprises a cohort of 1197 consecutively and prospectively admitted patients with stroke. Patients were followed up for 7 years. We defined PSE as recurrent epileptic seizures with onset after stroke and requiring antiepileptic prophylaxis. PSE was related to clinical factors (age, sex, onset stroke severity, lesion size on computed tomography scans, stroke subtype, localization, stroke risk factor profile, and early seizures) in univariate analyses. Independent predictors of PSE were identified through multiple logistic regression analyses. Overall, 38 patients (3.2%) developed PSE. Univariately, PSE was associated with younger age, intracerebral hemorrhage, and larger lesions. PSE was less frequently associated with atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease. In the final multiple regression model for the dependent variable PSE, independent predictors were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.7/10 years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.1), onset stroke severity (OR 1.3-/10-point decrease; 95% CI 1.0-1.6), lesion size (OR 1.2-/10-mm enlargement; 95% CI 1.0-1.3), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3-8.6), and early seizures (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.3-16.0). We conclude that PSE occurs in about 3% of all patients with stroke within 7 years after stroke. Age, intracerebral hemorrhage, lesion size, increasing stroke severity, and early seizures are independent predictors of PSE. Copyright © 2005 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progression of acute stroke after arrival at hospital is frequent and the prognosis severe. However, risk factors and mechanisms behind progression are largely unknown. A prospective, community-based study of 868 patients with acute stroke was undertaken to discover factors of importance in the development of stroke in progression. Diagnosis of progression was based on the Scandinavian Neurological Stroke Scale. Patients were divided according to whether progression occurred early (within 36 hours from stroke onset) or late (within the first week from onset). Results were analysed by comparing patients with and without progression. Marked progression developed in 32%. Risk factors for early progression were identified as systolic blood pressure on admission (decreased the relative risk by 0.66 per 20 mm Hg increase, 95% CI 0.55-0.83) and diabetes (increased the relative risk by 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3). Stroke severity was the only risk factor found in late progression (OR 1.4 per 20-point increase in stroke severity, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). These relations were independent of age, sex, blood glucose, heart disease, and other stroke risk factors. Early progression is related to systolic blood pressure and diabetes. Late progression is related to initial stroke severity. Although this study does not prove that a causal relationship exists between systolic blood pressure and the development of early progression, such a relationship would, however, explain our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]