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The ambulatory electro-encephalogram as a diagnostic tool in a children's hospital
Insights
Ambulatory electro-encephalogram (EEG) monitoring aided diagnosis in 32 of 55 children with behavioral issues or epilepsy. This EEG technique is crucial for accurate diagnosis in pediatric neurophysiology services.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurophysiology
- Clinical Neurodiagnostics
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital offers diagnostic electro-encephalogram (EEG) services.
- Ambulatory EEG monitoring is utilized for specific pediatric cases.
- A review of 55 children investigated with the Oxford ambulatory EEG monitor was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings from ambulatory EEG monitoring in children.
- To assess the diagnostic contribution of ambulatory EEG in pediatric cases.
- To evaluate indications for ambulatory EEG in children with behavioral and seizure disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 55 pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory EEG monitoring using the Oxford monitor.
- Analysis of indications including aberrant behavior, school performance issues, absence episodes, and seizure simulation.
- Correlation of EEG findings with clinical behavior and diagnostic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Abnormal EEG findings were present in 35 out of 55 records.
- Abnormalities included spike and wave discharge, focal cortical abnormalities, and seizure episodes.
- Ambulatory EEG monitoring significantly contributed to the correct diagnosis in 32 cases.
Conclusions:
- Ambulatory EEG monitoring is a valuable diagnostic tool in pediatric neurophysiology.
- The investigation demonstrated a significant contribution to accurate diagnosis in a majority of reviewed cases.
- Availability of ambulatory monitoring services is recommended for all pediatric EEG laboratories.
Abstract:
The neurophysiology laboratory at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital provides a diagnostic electro-encephalogram (EEG) service for the hospital and surrounding community. In selected cases ambulatory EEG monitoring is undertaken. The present study is a review of the findings in 55 children thus investigated using the Oxford monitor. Indications included unexplained aberrant behaviour outbursts, erratic school performance, atypical absence episodes and the need to distinguish between real and simulated seizures in children with epilepsy. During reporting, correlations were noted between EEG appearances and the child's behaviour. Abnormalities were noted in 35 of the records. These included paroxysmal spike and wave discharge, focal cortical abnormalities and unequivocal seizure episodes. It is felt that the investigation made a significant contribution to correct diagnosis in 32 cases, and that ambulatory monitoring should be available in all laboratories which offer a diagnostic EEG service for children.