To determine the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs in treatment of acute traumatic brain injury for preventing seizure.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs in treatment of acute traumatic brain injury for preventing seizure. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Ziauddin Hospital, North Campus, Karachi. Period: 2014 to 2016. Material & Methods: Eighty diagnosed cases of traumatic brain injury were included in this study. Patients were examined physically and neurological assessment, with mental status was assessed by Glasgow Coma scoring. A blood sample was taken and Computed tomography was performed. Antiepileptic therapy was given for a period of one week minimally or 10 days maximally and patients were assessed clinically for seizures. All information was collected in the predesign proforma. Results: The patients median age was 25[16-43]. There were 70% male and 30% female. Rate of seizure was 6.3% (5/80) cases mortality was observed 5% (4/80) cases. Rate of seizure was significantly high in patients who had moderate TBI as compare to mild TBI (p=0.016). It was also significantly high in those cases who had diabetes and IHD. Rate of mortality was significantly high in seizure cases (p=0.0005). Conclusion: Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs are effective in decreasing the risk of early post-traumatic seizures in acute traumatic brain injury.These drug may provide an important and alternative treatment option for seizure prevention in acute TBI patients and prevent further brain damage.