PREVALENCE OF EEG ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN PRESENTING WITH FIRST UNPROVOKED SEIZURE

Abstract

Background: EEG is an important diagnostic tool, but the frequency of EEG abnormalities varies among children.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in children presenting with a first unprovoked seizure.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Paediatrics Department, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from  January 2022 to June 2022, included 105 children presenting with first unprovoked seizure. Demographic data, seizure characteristics, family history, developmental history, neurological examination findings, and EEG results were recorded. EEG findings were classified as normal or abnormal, and abnormal findings were further categorized according to pattern.

Results: The mean age was 6.82 ± 3.91 years. Males were 61 (58.1%) and females were 44 (41.9%). Generalized tonic-clonic seizure was the most common seizure type, observed in 62 (59.0%) children. EEG abnormalities were found in 47 (44.8%) patients, while 58 (55.2%) had normal EEG findings. Focal epileptiform discharges were the most common abnormality, seen in 21 (20.0%) children. Abnormal EEG findings were significantly associated with focal seizure type (p = 0.041), family history of epilepsy (p = 0.039), developmental delay (p = 0.024), and abnormal neurological examination (p = 0.041).

Conclusion: EEG abnormalities were common among children presenting with first unprovoked seizure, with focal epileptiform discharges being the most frequent abnormality. EEG is useful for clinical evaluation, risk assessment, and further management planning in pediatric patients after a first unprovoked seizure.