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Feasibility and Clinical Utility of Early Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Children With First Seizure

Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, lhamiwka{at}ucalgary.ca

Neetu Singh, BSc

Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Silvia Kozlik, REEG

Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Elaine Wirrell, MD

Child and Adolescent Neurology, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The feasibility and clinical utility of early electroencephalogram (within 48 hours) was studied in 127 children (age, 1 month-17 years) referred for a "first seizure." The electroencephalogram was considered late after 48 hours. Electroencephalogram abnormalities were classified as nonepileptiform or epileptiform. Children were classified as having an "epileptic" or "nonepileptic" event. An early electroencephalogram was obtained in 23 (18%). Late referral (n = 36), weekend event (n = 23), difficulty contacting families (n = 11), parental schedules (n = 9), and laboratory scheduling (n = 11) resulted in late electroencephalograms. All 94 children with an epileptic event had an electroencephalogram, 19 (20%) within 48 hours. Results were abnormal in 9 (47%) early (7 epileptiform, 2 nonepileptiform) and 35 (44%) late (30 epileptiform, 5 nonepileptiform). Increased abnormalities were not seen with early electroencephalography (P = .50). Early electroencephalograms may not be feasible in the pediatric population and did not show a higher yield of abnormalities.

Key Words: first seizure • electroencephalogram • epilepsy

Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 23, No. 7, 762-765 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0883073808315619


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