Qualitative and quantitative relationships between comorbid seizures and dementia among hospitalized stroke patients.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between comorbid seizures and dementia among stroke patients using the 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available inpatient healthcare database in the United States. We analyzed data from 128,341 stroke patients, including those with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, to determine the prevalence of seizures and dementia, and the association between these conditions. Our findings reveal that 7.58 % of stroke patients experienced seizures, while 12.2 % had dementia. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that stroke patients with seizures had significantly higher odds of also having dementia (OR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.95-2.21), with similar trends observed across stroke subtypes. Specifically, the association was strongest among ischemic stroke patients (OR: 2.38, 95 % CI: 2.21-2.56). These results suggest a critical link between seizures and cognitive decline in stroke survivors, underscoring the need for integrated management strategies that address both neurological and cognitive health. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate the risk of dementia in stroke patients with seizures.