Risk for Epilepsy After Head Trauma in Children

Risk was elevated for more than 10 years after brain injury.

To determine the risk for epilepsy after head trauma in children and young adults (age, <25 years), investigators analyzed Danish health registry data for more than 1.6 million people born between 1977 and 2002. During this period, 78,572 people experienced brain injury, and 17,470 developed epilepsy. Of those who developed epilepsy, 1017 had a preceding head trauma.

Compared with no brain injury, mild brain injury, severe brain injury, and skull fracture were significantly associated with higher risk for developing epilepsy (relative risks, 2.2, 7.4, and 2.2, respectively); increased risk persisted for more than 10 years. Risk was slightly higher in females than in males after mild injury. After mild and severe brain injury, risk for epilep…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)