Clinico-Etiological Profile of Convulsions In Children Amongst 1 Month To 18 Years of Age

Abstract

Objectives:To study the clinico -etiological profile of convulsions in children - 1 month to 18 years of age and to analyze the types of seizures and their categorization according to age and to assess the immediate outcome of these participants. Methods: It was a Prospective observational study. Study Population: All children among 1 month to 18 years of age who presented to paediatric department for the first time with convulsions. Methodology: All participants were thoroughly investigated with complete blood counts (which included total count, platelet count, haemoglobin, differential count), metabolic screening like serum electrolytes, serum calcium, serum glucose, lumbar puncture and CSF analysis, Electroencephalography, CT scan and MRI as and when required. Results: Occurrence of convulsions was highest 89(58.1%) in the age group between 1 month to less than 5 years whereas lowest was found between age 10 – 18 years (15.1%). Conclusion: The incidence of convulsions is highest in the younger age group with generalized tonic clonic seizure being the commonest type. A past history of convulsions may be present in only about one third. Milestones are achieved normally in majority of cases. Sixth and seventh cranial nerves are most commonly involved. About one third have abnormal CT study whereas more than half have abnormal EEG finding. [Prasad M NJIRM 2017; 8(4):91-95]