Post-Stroke Epilepsy After Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke: Incidence and Risk Factors-A Narrative Review.

Background/

Objectives

Post-stroke epilepsy represents one of the most frequent and impactful long-term sequelae of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. Children are particularly vulnerable to developing seizures and epilepsy after stroke, likely because the immature brain responds differently to ischemic injury than the adult brain. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, mechanisms, and clinical implications of post-stroke epilepsy following pediatric arterial ischemic stroke.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review to examine the incidence, determinants, risk stratification, and long-term outcomes of post-stroke epilepsy following childhood arterial ischemic stroke beyond the neonatal period.

Results

The reported incidence of post-stroke epilepsy in children varies considerably across studies, ranging from approximately 7% to over 40%. However, recent data suggest that roughly one in four children who experience an arterial ischemic stroke will eventually develop epilepsy, highlighting the substantial long-term burden of this condition. Acute symptomatic seizures, particularly very early seizures and acute status epilepticus, consistently emerge as the strongest predictors of subsequent epilepsy, with recent pediatric meta-analytic data suggesting an approximately fourfold increased risk of post-stroke epilepsy. Cortical involvement and persistent neurological deficits also represent robust predictors of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE), whereas younger age at stroke onset, multifocal infarctions, greater infarct burden, anterior circulation involvement, and focal cerebral arteriopathy have been associated with an increased risk. Emerging evidence further suggests a possible contribution of genetic susceptibility and potentially modifiable biological factors, such as vitamin D deficiency, to epileptogenic risk.

Conclusions

This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the incidence, determinants, and pathophysiological mechanisms of post-stroke epilepsy following childhood arterial ischemic stroke, highlighting established and emerging risk factors and their implications for long-term risk stratification, clinical management, and future preventive strategies.