In a nutshell
This study aimed to see whether statin drugs (to lower blood cholesterol) would be useful for stroke patients in reducing the risk of epilepsy after stroke. The authors concluded that statins reduced the risk of early-onset seizures in patients after stroke.
Some background
Stroke is the most common cause of epilepsy in older people. Some antiepileptic drugs may therefore be beneficial for stroke patients. However, there is no evidence to support using antiepileptic drugs to prevent the onset of epilepsy.
Statins are drugs that lower cholesterol in the blood. Statins could potentially have antiepileptic effects. It is therefore possible that statins might be useful in lowering the risk of epilepsy in stroke patients.
Methods & findings
1832 patients were included in this study. All patients had experienced one stroke, and did not have epilepsy prior to the stroke. 1391 patients were treated with statins, while 427 were not. Patients were followed for an average of 2.5 years.
In total, 63 (3.4%) patients had early onset seizures (ES) and 91 (5%) patients had poststroke epilepsy (PSE).
In patients who used statin drugs, there was a 65% decrease in ES. There was no difference in the level of PSE.
In patients with ES, there was a 66% decrease in the risk of PSE.
The bottom line
The study concluded that statin use lowered the risk of ES in stroke patients. It also concluded that in patients with ES, using statins lowered the risk of PSE.
The fine print
The study does not go into detail on any side effects that may be associated with statin use.
Published By :
Neurology
Date :
Jul 22, 2015
