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Electroencephalographic findings in hydrocephalic children prior to initial shunting
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland.
Insights
Electroencephalography (EEG) is abnormal in over 98% of children with hydrocephalus before treatment. This study details EEG abnormalities in pediatric hydrocephalus to aid in follow-up care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by ventriculomegaly and increased intracranial pressure.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is a crucial diagnostic tool in pediatric neurology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in children with hydrocephalus before shunt treatment.
- To provide reference data for the follow-up of pediatric hydrocephalus patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of EEG recordings from 105 children with hydrocephalus prior to initial shunt placement.
- Detailed examination of EEG findings including slow-wave activity, focal attenuation, and epileptiform discharges.
Main Results:
- Over 98% of patients exhibited abnormal EEG findings.
- Slow-wave activity (generalized or focal) was common, increasing with age.
- Epileptiform discharges (spikes/sharp waves) were present in 43% of children, decreasing with age.
Conclusions:
- EEG is highly sensitive in detecting abnormalities in pediatric hydrocephalus before treatment.
- Specific EEG patterns, such as slow-wave activity and epileptiform discharges, are prevalent and age-dependent.
- These findings establish a baseline for monitoring neurological status in hydrocephalic children.
Abstract:
The EEG recordings of 105 hydrocephalic children with proven ventriculomegaly and increased intracranial pressure were studied prior to initial shunt treatment. Only 2 patients had a normal EEG and 7 had only abnormal dominant activity. Paroxysmal slow-wave activity, generalized or posterior, was present in 37 (35% of the patients) recordings and focal slow waves in 28 patients (27%), these mostly posterior. All types of slow-wave activities increased with age. Focal attenuation was very common under 1 year of age (in 41% of patients of this age group), but after this age only 4 cases (10%) were recorded. Spike- or sharp-wave activity was recorded focally or generally in 45 (43%) of the children. The prevalence of spikes and sharp waves correlated negatively with increasing age: only generalized spikes were usual after 7 years of age. No significant differences were found in the appearance of focal findings between hemispheres. According to the present study, the EEG is abnormal in more than 98% of children with proven hydrocephalus before shunting. The observed abnormalities are described in detail in order to serve as reference material in the follow-up of hydrocephalic children.
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