Evaluation of pediatric patients in new-onset seizure clinic (NOSc)

Abstract

Aim: We evaluated the clinical and demographic features of children presenting with unprovoked seizures at a regional new-onset seizure clinic (NOSc).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of 492 consecutive patients evaluated in the NOSc at the Childrne's Healthcare of Atlanta RESULTS: Nonepileptic events (NEE) were diagnosed in 102 (24%) and epileptic seizures in the remaining 326 (76%). Patients with NEE were younger than patients with epileptic seizure (5.0 vs. 7.4 years). Except for headache which occurred more frequently in NEE (14% vs. 6%), frequencies of comorbidities were similar in groups with NEE and epileptic seizure. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed in 98%, and finding was abnormal in 51%. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 55%, and finding was abnormal in 15%. An electroclinical epilepsy syndrome was diagnosed in 42%. Antiseizure medication was started in 25% with first seizure and in 77% with recurrent seizures.

Interpretation: For children with newly-presenting seizures, a regional NOSc provided efficient, timely diagnosis and appropriate evaluations and treatment. Timely recognition of NEE resulted in fewer unnecessary evaluations and treatment for a quarter of referred patients whereas identification of the specific types of seizures and epilepsy allowed appropriate use, including deferral, of neuroimaging and guided treatment selection.

Keywords: Antiepileptic drugs; First time seizure; New-onset epilepsy; Nonepileptic events.