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Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during sleep in children with shunted hydrocephalus: a

Roberto Horacio Caraballo1, Lucas Bongiorni, Ricardo Cersósimo

  • 1Hospital de Pediatría Prof Dr Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina. rhcaraballo@arnet.com.ar

Epilepsia
|April 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Early-onset hydrocephalus in children can present with seizures and continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS), leading to cognitive decline. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent progressive neurodevelopmental issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus in early childhood can be associated with complex neurological symptoms.
  • Continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS) is an electroencephalographic pattern linked to cognitive regression.

Observation:

  • Nine pediatric patients with early-onset hydrocephalus presented with seizures and CSWS.
  • Symptoms included behavioral changes (hyperkinesia, aggressiveness), motor deterioration, and cognitive deficits like language impairment.

Findings:

  • Epilepsy onset ranged from infancy to early childhood.
  • CSWS was confirmed via EEG, and patients showed good response to antiepileptic drug adjustments.
  • Most patients achieved seizure freedom or sporadic seizures after treatment.

Implications:

  • CSWS should be suspected in children with hydrocephalus exhibiting behavioral, language, or motor regression.
  • Regular EEG monitoring during sleep is recommended for early detection.
  • Timely intervention for this electroclinical picture can mitigate progressive cognitive deterioration.
Abstract

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