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Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy
I Bruck1, S A Antoniuk, A Spessatto
1Center of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Parana.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|April 12, 2001
Summary
Epilepsy affects 62% of cerebral palsy patients, particularly those with hemiplegic and tetraplegic forms. Early seizures and family history predict epilepsy in cerebral palsy (CP) patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Epileptology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Epilepsy frequently co-occurs with CP, impacting patient outcomes.
- Understanding epilepsy prevalence in CP is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of epilepsy in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To identify factors associated with epilepsy development in CP.
- To correlate epilepsy incidence with CP subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 100 consecutive CP patients with ≥2 years follow-up.
- Analysis of epilepsy types, incidence, and associated factors (age of first seizure, neonatal seizures, family history).
- Correlation of epilepsy with different CP forms (hemiplegic, tetraplegic).
Main Results:
- Overall epilepsy prevalence was 62% in the CP cohort.
- Higher incidence observed in hemiplegic (70.6%) and tetraplegic (66.1%) CP.
- Seizures typically began in the first year of life (74.2%); generalized and partial seizures were most common.
- Neonatal seizures and family history of epilepsy were linked to increased epilepsy incidence.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy in cerebral palsy (CP) is highly prevalent.
- Early-onset seizures (neonatal period, first year of life) and family history are significant predictors.
- Identifying these risk factors aids in predicting and managing epilepsy in CP patients.