Epilepsy in Children with Myelomeningocele: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Aim: To examine the prevalence of epilepsy and other associated cortical abnormalities in patients with Myelomeningocele (MMC), and to present our findings along with a review of the literature.

Material and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted with MMC patients followed in our pediatric neurology outpatient clinic between 2015 and 2020.

Results: The study included a total of 23 patients ranging in age from 7 months to 19 years with a median follow-up period of 36 months. The frequency of epilepsy was 43.5% (n=10). Hydrocephalus was present in 20 patients (87%) patients, and 18 patients (78.3%) had concomitant central nervous system anomalies. Epilepsy was diagnosed in 52.6% of the patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt but none of those without a shunt.

Conclusion: Our study revealed a high incidence of epilepsy among patients with MMC, in contrast to the available literature. As the life expectancy of patients with MMC continues to increase, secondary clinical manifestations such as epilepsy may become more evident. Furthermore, most research on the prevalence of epilepsy and seizures among individuals with MMC was conducted approximately two decades ago. Further studies should examine the changing incidence.