Computed tomography and childhood seizure disorder in Ibadan

Computed Tomography (CT) is an important tool for neuroimaging, it offers an opportunity to investigate structural lesions as a cause of seizures with little morbidity. This study is designed to evaluate it's applicability in children with epileptic seizures.

It is a descriptive study of the CT scans of the 103 consecutive children who were referred to the CT suite of the University College Hospital on account of seizure disorders over a 5 year period (1997--2001).

Only 103 (4.6%) of the subjects who had cranial scans done in five years were children with seizures disorders. The CT scans were abnormal in 53 (51.5 %). Hydrocephalus was the most common finding in 14 (13.6%). Cerebral atrophy and infarct were reported in 10.6% and 8.7% respectively. The outlined cranial fractures found in 6.8% were all depressed. A high incidence (74.4%) of abnormal scans was reported in the children with partial seizures. Thirty-three (62.3%) of the abnormal scans were amenable to surgery. The presence of neurologic deficit increased the yield of abnormal CT features.

CT scans are of extreme value in the screening and definitive evaluation of seizures in children. It is advocated for excluding treatable conditions and monitoring progression of the disorder.