[Problem of epilepsy prevention in children with abnormal EEG tracings following cranial trauma]

In the analysed material of 248 children with past craniocerebral trauma epilepsy developed in 25 cases (10%). In the group of post-traumatic epilepsy seizures developed twice as frequently after severe trauma than after light trauma. In EEG investigations in the group with light trauma the observed changes included slowing down of background activity, focal changes or lateralization as the only finding. In the group of severe trauma the EEG changes included slowing down of background activity with associated lateralization or focal changes. In the group of children with epilepsy following severe trauma the same changes were found in EEG curves prior to development of seizures. The authors believe that changes of this type may predict manifestation of epilepsy and may be regarded as sufficient for prophylactic treatment with anticonvulsants.