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Hydrocephalus and high Fisher grade blood distribution are strongly associated with post-procedural seizures in SAHSpecific brain conditions linked to seizures after aneurysm surgery

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Key Takeaway
Note that hydrocephalus and high Fisher grade blood distribution are significant predictors of post-procedural seizures.

This meta-analysis evaluates the risk factors for post-procedural seizures in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm exclusion for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The analysis synthesized data from a small number of studies to identify radiological and clinical markers associated with seizure occurrence.

Key findings indicate that hydrocephalus has the strongest association with post-procedural seizures (OR 3.91, 95% CI: 1.22 to 12.53). Additionally, Fisher grade 3 and 4 blood distribution (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.55 to 6.97) and Hunt-Hess grade 1 to 3 (OR 3.15, 95% CI: 1.73 to 5.72) were significantly associated with seizures. WFNS grade 4 to 5 was also associated with seizure occurrence (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.02). Factors such as age, sex, MCA involvement, and cerebral oedema did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).

The authors note that the evidence is limited by the use of observational study designs, a small number of included studies, and heterogeneous seizure outcome definitions. Due to these limitations and the moderate methodological quality, the findings should be interpreted with caution. While these markers may assist in future risk stratification, the data do not support specific antiepileptic prophylaxis strategies.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in identifying specific risk factors for seizures following endovascular aneurysm exclusion. It complements the finding that haemorrhage pattern predicts complications in angiogram-negative subarachnoid haemorrhage patients by identifying specific radiological markers like hydrocephalus and Fisher grade 3 and 4 distribution as significant predictors of seizure risk.

When a patient undergoes surgery for a brain aneurysm, doctors look for ways to predict and manage complications. This analysis looked at patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm exclusion, which includes techniques like coiling and flow diversion. The goal was to see what factors might lead to seizures after the procedure.

Researchers found that certain conditions have a strong link to seizures. Specifically, hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain) showed the strongest association. Other factors, such as a specific distribution of blood and certain severity grades of the initial injury, also showed significant links to seizure risk.

While these findings help doctors better understand who might be at higher risk, the evidence is still limited by the small number of studies and different ways seizures were defined. These results do not currently support specific plans for using seizure prevention drugs, but they help doctors better identify patients who may need closer monitoring.

What this means for you:
Hydrocephalus and specific blood distribution patterns are strongly linked to seizure risk after aneurysm surgery.

Common questions

What specific condition showed the strongest link to seizures?

Hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid in the brain, showed the strongest association with seizures after the procedure. The data showed an odds ratio of 3.91, meaning it was a significant indicator for patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm exclusion.

Are there other factors that increase seizure risk after surgery?

Yes, several other factors were linked to seizures. These include a specific blood distribution (Fisher grade 3 and 4) and certain severity grades of the initial injury (Hunt-Hess grade 1 to 3 and WFNS grade 4 to 5).

Does this mean patients should start seizure medication automatically?

No, these findings do not support specific strategies for using antiepileptic drugs before surgery. The study shows associations, not certainties, and because the evidence comes from a small number of studies, you should talk to your doctor about your specific treatment plan.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedAug 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Endovascular aneurysm exclusion has revolutionized neurovascular care, yet postoperative seizures remain a significant cause of morbidity. As endovascular technologies evolve from simple coiling to complex flow diversion, identifying factors associated with postoperative seizures is essential for improving risk stratification and neurocritical care. This systematic review and meta-analysis, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261375370), followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted through April 13, 2026. Studies published since 2016 investigating factors associated with seizures after endovascular treatment (coiling, flow diversion, or stent-assisted techniques) were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using R to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed where feasible. Six studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Radiological markers showed the strongest associations with post-procedural seizures. Hydrocephalus demonstrated the highest association (OR 3.91, 95% CI: 1.22 to 12.53), followed by Fisher grade 3 + 4 blood distribution (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.55 to 6.97, I2 = 0%). Regarding clinical grading, Hunt-Hess grade 1 to 3 was significantly associated with seizure occurrence (OR 3.15, 95% CI: 1.73 to 5.72), whereas WFNS grade 4 to 5 was also associated with seizure occurrence (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.02), although heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 60.2%). Factors such as age, sex, MCA involvement, and cerebral oedema did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) indicated overall moderate methodological quality, although the evidence was limited by observational study designs, heterogeneous seizure outcome definitions, and a small number of included studies. Radiological severity of the initial hemorrhage, particularly dense subarachnoid blood and secondary cerebrospinal fluid disturbances, was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative seizures, whereas anatomical location and patient demographics showed no significant associations. These findings should be interpreted cautiously and may assist future risk stratification; however, they do not alone support specific antiepileptic prophylaxis strategies. Further prospective studies incorporating standardized seizure definitions and continuous EEG monitoring are warranted.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/search, identifier CRD420261375370.
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