Seizures in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)
Abstract number :
2.045
Submission category :
Year :
2000
Submission ID :
3204
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2000 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2000, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Rajesh Verma, Mecheri B Sundaram, David Gordon, Univ Hosp, Jackson, MS; Univ Hosp,, Jackson, MS.
RATIONALE: Information on long term seizures and need for anticonvulsants in CVT is limited. METHODS: Patients with MRV or angigram proven CVT seen in our hospital between 1992 and 1999 were prospectively studied. RESULTS: Of 18 patients with CVT,7 (39%) had seizures at the time of presentation. Seizures were generalised tonic clonic in 4 and complex partial in 3. The number of seizures varied from 1 to 7. EEG showed generalised or multifocal slowing without epileptiform discharges. All 7 patients received anticonvulsants (phenytoin-6, carbamazepine-1) for 3 to 6 months. None of the patients had any further seizure while on anticonvulsants or after withdrawl. Those without early seizures (n=11) also remained seizure-free during follow up. Mean follow up was 28 months from presentation (range: 6 to 64 months). CONCLUSIONS: i) Seizures occur in 39% of CVT patients at the time of presentation; ii) Anticonvulsants may be safely tapered off after 3-6 months; iii) There is no risk of delayed seizures during long term follow up.