perioperative seizures
Pronunciation: pair-ee-OP-er-ah-tiv
Seizures occurring before, during, or shortly after neurosurgical procedures, requiring specific management protocols.
Full Definition
Perioperative seizures represent a significant complication in neurosurgical oncology, occurring in the period immediately before, during, or after surgical intervention. Risk factors include tumor location (particularly cortical tumors), pre-existing seizure history, surgical manipulation of cortical tissue, and postoperative edema or hemorrhage. Perioperative seizures can occur in up to 30% of brain tumor patients and may lead to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and functional complications. Management involves prophylactic antiepileptic drugs, intraoperative monitoring, and prompt treatment of seizure activity. Editorial staff should understand this complication requires specific documentation and management protocols distinct from general postoperative complications.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as shown. Distinguish timing (pre-, intra-, or post-operative) when possible.
In Context
- "Prophylactic levetiracetam was initiated to reduce perioperative seizure risk." — Pre-operative medication order
- "The patient experienced perioperative seizures requiring ICU monitoring and medication adjustment." — Complication documentation