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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

A preschool-age child with first-time seizure and ataxia

Joan Papp1, Steven T Dorsey

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric stroke can result from vertebral artery dissection, a condition often presenting with ataxia or seizure. Early recognition via advanced imaging is crucial for children with neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology

Background:

  • Cervical artery dissection accounts for up to 20% of childhood strokes.
  • Pediatric dissections often lack the typical adult presentation of head and neck pain.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old experienced a seizure and was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia.
  • Initial CT scans were inconclusive, but later neuroimaging revealed a left vertebral artery dissection causing stroke.

Findings:

  • Vertebral artery dissection can manifest as posterior circulation ischemia, leading to symptoms like ataxia, vomiting, vertigo, dysarthria, and seizures.
  • This case highlights a child presenting with seizure and ataxia, ultimately diagnosed with vertebral artery dissection.

Implications:

  • Advanced, non-invasive imaging can aid in the early detection of pediatric cervical artery dissection.
  • Vertebral artery dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis for children presenting with seizures, headache, or neck pain.

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