[Risk of recurrent seizures after the first afebrile grand mal seizure in childhood]

Abstract

A cohort of 74 children three months to 16 years-old who presented with a first unprovoked seizure were followed for five years to assess the risk of recurrence. Children with febrile convulsions, immediate posttraumatic seizures, meningitis and encephalitis were not included. The risk of recurrence was 68% for a second seizure. 47% of the patients developed an epilepsy. 85% of recurrences occurred within the first 6 months and 100% within 2 1/2 years. A history of epilepsy in a first degree relative, age at first seizure, duration of seizure, initial EEG or neurologic status were not associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence.