In severe TBI, what is the common duration of antiseizure prophylaxis and its purpose?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 1 year
• C. About 7 days to prevent early post-traumatic seizures
• D. Lifelong therapy

Answer: (C)

In severe TBI, the period of greatest risk for seizures is the early post-injury phase, especially within the first week. Antiseizure prophylaxis is given for a brief, fixed duration to cover this high-risk window, not to provide long-term seizure prevention. The best choice is about seven days, because it targets the period when early post-traumatic seizures are most likely to occur and helps reduce secondary brain injury from seizures. Shorter than seven days risks missing those early events, while longer or lifelong therapy isn’t typically needed and adds unnecessary side effects without proven extra benefit for preventing early seizures.