Posttraumatic Epilepsy: Incidence, Predictors, Cognitive Impairments, and the Role of HMGB1

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly increases the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and cognitive impairment via complex inflammatory mechanisms. HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, could be a potential biomarker for early detection of PTE and cognitive decline among people with TBI. Findings of this thesis demonstrated that the incidence of PTE in Malaysia was 9.3% two years post TBI. Sustained increase in HMGB1 levels was significantly associated with PTE development and cognitive deficits. Outcome from this thesis will aid in stratifying TBI patients requiring targeted early intervention to prevent PTE and cognitive decline.