Article

Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a major long-term complication of traumatic brain
injury (TBI). PTE usually develops within 5 years of head injury. The risk for
developing PTE varies with TBI type. Both Korean and Vietnam war veterans with
penetrating TBI had a 53% risk of developing PTE. The risk of developing PTE is
between 10% and 25% in combat-associated closed-head trauma with positive brain
imaging and about 5% in moderately severe closed-head injury without imaging
finding. We do not know the risk of PTE among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
Enduring Freedom veterans with minimal TBI because of blast exposure.Partial
seizures may manifest with subtle behavioral alterations that can be mistaken for
manifestations of posttraumatic stress disorder and improperly treated. Accidents
and medical complications commonly occur during seizures. Sudden unexpected death
in epilepsy is most frequent among 20- to 40-year-olds. Seizures increase the
likelihood of refractory seizures years after TBI. Seizures are also a social
stigma that compromise veterans' reintegration into society. People with
uncontrolled epilepsy are not allowed to drive and have difficulty obtaining or
maintaining employment. Optimal seizure control is essential to the physical and
emotional health of veterans with TBI and to their ability to lead productive
lives.

Langue : ANGLAIS