Stroke and Seizures

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third most prevalent cause of death among Americans. Seizures and epilepsy are associated with the occurrence of strokes.

Stroke

A stroke is caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot and a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a burst blood vessel.

Effects

Depending upon the severity of the stroke and the part of the brain that is affected, strokes may result in weakness of a limb or paralysis and impaired speech.

Seizure

According to Medline Plus, seizures are symptomatic of damage to the brain. Seizures are caused by abnormal neuron activity in the brain and may or may not cause convulsions.

Time Frame

According to StrokeSafe.org, strokes may cause concurrent seizures or seizures that follow a short time after the stroke. Seizures may also occur months after a stroke.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the condition of having recurrent seizures. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, those who have experienced a stroke may develop epilepsy.

Warning

According to a May 2008 article from ScienceDaily.com, those who suffer a stroke followed within 24 hours by seizures are more likely to die within 30 days of the stroke than those who do not experience seizures.

References

• Science Daily: Stroke Victims Experiencing Seizures More Likely To Die
• Medline Plus: Seizures
• Stroke Safe: Stroke and Seizures

Resources

• National Stroke Association: Risk Factors