Posttraumatic epilepsy: Pathophysiology, clinical characteristics and disease within lifespan

Stefan H, Hammen T (2026)


Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 141

Pages Range: 262-275

DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2026.07.016

Abstract

Purpose Epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, established clinical- and experimental treatment options are discussed with regard to the lifespan. Attention is dedicated to special features of older patients. Method This narrative review was conducted in line with a structured literature search performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE database to identify relevant publications on post-traumatic epilepsy. Search terms included Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text keywords related to traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic seizures, epileptogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment. No restrictions on publication date were applied in order to include both seminal and contemporary studies. The literature was narratively synthesized to provide a concise and clinically relevant overview of post-traumatic epilepsy. Results Posttraumatic epilepsies of adults are frequently occurring in older patients. Little available data concerning age characteristics like TBI etiologies and PTE considerations by age groups with related management approaches exists. This review provides a condensed overview shedding also light on biological and clinical interlinks. TBI requires individual risk assessment for posttraumatic epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric sequelae in the long-term course contributing to a „traumatic brain injury disease syndrome”. Innovative approaches regarding diagnostics and approaches for interventions are discussed.

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Stefan, H., & Hammen, T. (2026). Posttraumatic epilepsy: Pathophysiology, clinical characteristics and disease within lifespan. Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy, 141, 262-275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2026.07.016

MLA:

Stefan, Herrmann, and T. Hammen. "Posttraumatic epilepsy: Pathophysiology, clinical characteristics and disease within lifespan." Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy 141 (2026): 262-275.

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