Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 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

Recurrence risk after a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure in childhood: a prospective study

J Ramos-Lizana1, J Aguirre-Rodríguez, P Aguilera-López

  • 1Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Torrecárdenas Hospital, Almería, Spain. jramoslizana@telefonica.net

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|November 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Recurrence risk after a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure in childhood is significantly higher than previously thought. Todd

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

  • First unprovoked seizures in children are a common neurological presentation.
  • Understanding recurrence risk is crucial for prognosis and management.
  • Previous studies may have underestimated recurrence rates in specific pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the recurrence risk following a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure in children under 14 years.
  • To identify factors associated with seizure recurrence in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of 63 children (under 14 years) with a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure.
  • Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to estimate recurrence risk at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
  • Cox proportional hazards models (univariable and multivariable) to assess associated risk factors.

Main Results:

  • High recurrence rates observed: 59% at 6 months, 76% at 12 months, and 87% at 24 months.
  • Children with static encephalopathy showed similar high recurrence risks (79% at 12 months, 89% at 24 months).
  • Todd's paresis was significantly associated with increased recurrence risk in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Recurrence risk after a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure in childhood is substantially higher than previously reported.
  • The presence of Todd's paresis is a significant predictor of seizure recurrence.
  • These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring and potentially tailored management strategies for affected children.

More Related Videos

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...