ABSTRACT
Background and aims: COVID-19 infection may cause nonspecific EEG changes. Methods: We have analyzed 48 results of EEG in children with COVID-19 (confirmed by molecular RT-PCR examinations). The EEG was performed and was described by qualified specialists. Results: We have found the abnormal background activity on EEG (97.9% [95% CI: 95.84-99.96];p<0.01), generalised slowing (93.8% [95% CI: 90 , 31.2-97.29];p<0.01);epileptiform discharges (ED) (33.3% [95% CI: 40.1-26.5];p<0.01). ED was increased in patients with seizures (62.5% [95% CI: 74.6-50.4];p=0.52) and a history of epilepsy (43.8% [). 95% CI: 56.2-31.4];p=0.47), comparing to those without such manifestations (37.5% [95% CI: 49.6-25.3];p=0,05). Among children with ED, persisted seizures more than 1-2 weeks were found (31.3% [95% CI: 42.89-19.71];p=0.054), in others- more than one month (12.5% [95%: 20.77-4.23];p=0.075). Some children developed epilepsy (18.8% [95% CI: 28.56-9.04];p=0.08), two of them have showed drug resistance. Conclusion: COVID-19 can cause EEG changes, the most common being expressed by abnormal background activity (97.9%) and generalized slowdown of EEG route (93.8%). Epileptic discharges are less common (33.3%), with an increased proportion in children with seizures (62.5%) and a history of epilepsy (43.7%). COVID-19 can also cause remote epilepsy.