Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges after evacuation of subdural hematomas.

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) have been recorded in some patients with subdural hematomas. In most of the patients, PLEDs occurred before the hematoma was evacuated. Five patients (three men and two women) who ranged in age from 57 to 88 years had PLEDs and seizures after evacuation of a subdural hematoma. The PLEDs occurred 1 to 9 days after evacuation and were associated with clinical seizures and altered consciousness. After treatment with anticonvulsant agents, the PLEDs and seizures resolved. The presence of PLEDs should be considered in patients who, after evacuation of a subdural hematoma, have altered consciousness, lateralized neurologic findings, or seizurelike activity (or a combination of these features).