Post‑Traumatic Epilepsy

Overview

Post‑Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) is a form of epilepsy that develops as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that begin weeks, months, or even years after the injury.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adults recovering from brain injuries with or without a diagnosis of epilepsy. Our inpatient neurorehabilitation programme addresses the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of both seizures and underlying neurological trauma.

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What Is Post‑Traumatic Epilepsy?

PTE occurs when a brain injury leads to long-term structural or functional changes in the brain that disrupt normal electrical activity. The result is a tendency to experience seizures, even after the initial trauma has healed.

Seizures may vary in type and severity, and may affect movement, awareness, speech, behaviour, or memory. Some individuals require long-term medication and lifestyle adaptations.

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What Causes Post‑Traumatic Epilepsy?

PTE most commonly develops after:

• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
• Open head injuries (e.g. skull fracture or penetrating trauma)
• Surgical procedures following brain trauma
• Haematomas or intracranial bleeds (e.g. subdural, epidural)
• Diffuse axonal injury
• Post-surgical brain scarring

Early seizures (within 7 days of injury) do not always indicate epilepsy, but seizures that occur beyond 1 week post-injury are more likely to be part of a longer-term condition.

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Symptoms of Post‑Traumatic Epilepsy

Seizure symptoms vary based on the area of the brain affected and the type of epilepsy. Common features include:

Focal (partial) seizures:

• Jerking or stiffness in one limb or one side of the body
• Sudden sensory changes (e.g. taste, smell, visual changes)
• Brief confusion or unresponsiveness
• Repetitive movements (e.g. lip-smacking or fiddling)

Generalised seizures:

• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Stiffening and shaking of the whole body
• Tongue-biting or incontinence
• Post-seizure confusion or exhaustion

Other symptoms:

• Memory lapses
• Changes in behaviour or personality
• Emotional distress or anxiety about future seizures

Some individuals may experience aura symptoms (sensory warnings) before a seizure.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist following one or more seizures, using:

• Detailed medical history and seizure description
• EEG (electroencephalogram) to monitor brain activity
• MRI or CT scans to assess brain damage or scarring
• Neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive impact

Seizures must be unprovoked and recurrent to meet the criteria for epilepsy. A single seizure does not always indicate a lifelong condition.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our inpatient neurorehabilitation service is designed to support individuals living with the consequences of brain injury and PTE. We provide specialist therapies to manage functional impairment, reduce seizure risk, and improve quality of life.

Our approach includes:

Physiotherapy

• Balance and mobility rehabilitation
• Strength and coordination exercises
• Fall prevention strategies
• Post-seizure recovery support

Occupational Therapy

• Support with daily living activities
• Fatigue management
• Memory and routine building
• Environmental risk assessment and adaptation

Neuropsychology

• Support for anxiety, mood, and adjustment
• Seizure management education
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Behavioural therapy if required

Speech and Language Therapy

• Support for language and cognitive-communication skills
• Social interaction strategies
• Confidence building post-seizure

Specialist Nursing Care

• 24/7 neurological monitoring
• Medication and side-effect management
• Seizure tracking and support
• Patient and carer education

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Who We Help

We support adults (18+) who:

• Are living with seizures following a confirmed brain injury
• Have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of post-traumatic epilepsy
• Require specialist neurorehabilitation for physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges
• May also have co-occurring conditions such as visual, speech or mobility impairments

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to discuss your needs with our admissions team.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Decades of experience in brain injury rehabilitation
• Multidisciplinary care with physiotherapy, OT, psychology and SLT
• Consultant-led programmes with specialist nursing care
• Seizure-safe environment tailored for recovery
• Support for patients and families from admission to discharge