Interictal epileptiform activity in the acute stroke phase: an independent predictor of poor outcome

Introduction Electroencephalography (EEG) features are emerging as valuable prognostic indicators in acute stroke. However, data on the predictive value of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of IEDs in predicting functional outcomes in stroke patients without symptomatic seizures who underwent point-of-care EEG within 72 h of admission. Patients and methods We retrospectively analysed the clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging data of acute stroke patients who underwent point-of-care EEG within 72 h of admission. Interictal epileptiform discharges were identified according to the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model identified variables associated with modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 3-6 at 3 months. Results Among 593 stroke patients (median age 77 years, range 22-98; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] 5, range 0-25), 18.2% exhibited IEDs on EEG within 72 h of admission. At 3-month follow-up, 223 patients (37.6%) demonstrated poor functional outcome (mRS 3-6). The presence of IEDs on EEG (odds ratio [OR] = 1.088, P = .037), along with age (OR = 1.004, P < .001), NIHSS at admission (OR = 1.032, P < .001), premorbid disability (OR = 1.111, P < .001), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.120, P < .001) and lesion extent (OR = 1.070, P < .001), was an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes at 3 months (mRS 3-6). The logistic regression model, including these factors, achieved 81% accuracy in predicting functional outcomes. Conclusion Early IEDs on EEG within 72 h are independent predictors of poor clinical outcomes (mRS 3-6) at 3 months. These findings underscore the importance of EEG monitoring in the acute phase of stroke and suggest that IED detection may serve as an additional prognostic marker.