Incidence and predictors of post stroke seizure among adult stroke patients admitted at Felege Hiwot compressive specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia, 2021: a retrospective follow up study

BackgroundA post stroke seizure is a period of neurological dysfunction caused by abnormal neuronal activity. Seizures after a stroke have an impact on patients' lives and increase mortality in stroke patients. It also has a negative impact on the prognosis of stroke. However, there is a scarcity of literature in Ethiopia on the occurrence of post-stroke seizures. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of post-stroke seizure at Felege Hiwot compressive specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective follow-up study was carried out at Felege Hiwot Compressive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021. The records of 568 stroke patients were reviewed using a random sample method. To find predictors of post-stroke seizures, we applied the log-binomial regression model.ResultThe incidence of post-stroke seizures was 22.18%( 95% CI 18.83%-25.83%). Older age group (ARR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.33-4.69), hemorrhagic stroke (ARR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.25-3.17), surgical intervention (ARR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.22-2.81), and tramadol medication (ARR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.22-2.81) were found to be predictors of post stroke seizure.ConclusionThis study revealed that the incidence of post stroke seizure was high and older age, haemorrhagic type of stroke, surgical management, and use of tramadol anti-pain medication are risk factors for post-stroke seizures. Therefore, health care professionals must pay special attention and provide clinical care to patients who have risk factors for post-stroke seizure.