Clinical Characteristics of Post-traumatic Seizures in Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are well-recognized complications from head injuries and children are particularly more vulnerable to them. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of PTS in children and the findings of several diagnostic tools and to determine the role of prophylactic anticonvulsants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patient under 18 years of age who presented with seizures after traumatic brain injuries. Data analyzed included patient's demographics, clinical presentations, radiological and electroencephalographic findings, management and outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty one patients with PTS were included in the study and consisted of 13 males and 18 females. A mean age of the accident was 3.2 years (4 months-6.8 years) and a mean duration of follow-up was 26.0 months (12 months-54 months). Twenty one patients (67.7%) developed seizures within 24 hours after injury. Focal radiological findings were observed in 83.8% and described as subdural or epidural hematoma (25.8%), intraparenchymal hemorrhage (19.3%) and intracerebral parenchymal lesions (51.6%). Electroecephalographic findings included background abnormalities in 32.2% and interictal epileptiform discharges in 45.1%. All patients were treated with anticonvulsants for a certain period of time and a mean duration of treatment was 12.5 weeks (4-40 weeks). Eight patients (25.8%) developed subsequent seizures during follow-up period and 2 patients (6.5%) were diagnosed afterward with post-traumatic epilepsy. CONCLUSION: PTS generally take a benign clinical course, but subsequent seizures including epileptic seizures can occur in minor proportion. In these cases, radiological and electroencephalographic findings are helpful in prediction of clinical course of PTS.