Archana Reddy Damireddy
BACKGROUND Seizures in paediatric population is one of the most common health problems associated with diverse aetiological agents. aetiological spectrum varies from country to country. In India intracranial infections continue to be the most important cause for childhood seizures The objectives of the study are- 1) To study the aetiological factors, age, sex distribution and clinical profile of seizures for new onset seizures in children aged 3-12 years. 2) To assess the role of EEG and Neuroimaging in children with new onset seizures. 3) To know the response to treatment and follow up in children with seizures. MATERIALS AND METHODS All children in preschool and school age group (children aged 3-12 years) presenting with new onset seizures were included. Data regarding their name, age, sex, address, type of seizures (according to international classification of epileptic seizures), past history of seizures, contact with tuberculosis, drug history, development history, family history were collected in a preformed proforma. Relevant investigations were done including blood investigations, radiological imaging, CSF analysis, EEG etc to identify the aetiological factors. Appropriate treatment was given to the patients and the cases were followed up for one year post treatment. RESULTS A total of 98 children formed the study group. Out of them 65 showed generalized seizures and 33 partial seizures. The mean age group at which generalized seizure occurred was 6.8 years. Only 13.3% of children had family history of seizure. Intracranial infections including granulomata were found to be leading cause of childhood convulsions (73%). Neurotuberculosis still occupied the top chair followed by neurocysticercosis. Generalised tonic clonic seizures were most common presentation (43.8%). Complex partial seizures (60.6%) were more common than simple partial seizures. (33.3%).EEG abnormality was observed in 80.65% of the subjects, 22% had focal EEG changes, 36(59%) children had generalized EEG changes. Death occurred in 4 cases
