Clinical Methods Supporting Initial Recognition of Early Post-Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of seizures and epilepsy, both of which are linked to increased mortality, disability, and hospital readmissions. Early recognition and management of seizures in acute stroke are crucial for improving outcomes. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is not routinely used for post-stroke seizure monitoring and is typically initiated only after clinical suspicion arises—making bedside recognition essential. This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on clinical methods used for identifying and observing early post-stroke seizures (EPSS) at the bedside. Methods: We included literature involving adults involving adults with acute ischaemic stroke or primary intracerebral haemorrhage who were diagnosed or suspected of having inpatient EPSS. Searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for English-language publications up to April 2023. Eligible sources included primary research, case reports, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, consensus statements, and expert opinion. Reference lists of included articles were also reviewed. Data were charted and synthesised to assess the scope, type, and gaps in the evidence. Results: Thirty papers met inclusion criteria: 17 research studies, 6 expert opinions, 4 case reports, and 3 clinical guidelines. Empirical evidence on clinical methods for seizure recognition and monitoring in acute stroke was limited. No studies evaluated the effectiveness of different approaches, and existing recommendations lacked detail and consensus. Conclusion: Accurate EPSS diagnosis is vital due to its impact on outcomes. This review highlights inconsistency in monitoring methods and a clear need for targeted research into effective clinical identification strategies in acute stroke care.