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CT in simple partial seizures in children: a clinical and computed tomography study
K P Nair1, P N Jayakumar, A B Taly
1Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scans are highly relevant for diagnosing pediatric simple partial seizures (SPS) in developing nations, often revealing neuroinfections. Clinical features do not reliably distinguish between children with or without focal brain lesions on CT.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) has low reported therapeutic relevance (1-2%) for pediatric simple partial seizures (SPS).
- Limited research exists from developing countries where neuroinfections are a significant cause of seizures.
- This study addresses the utility of CT in managing pediatric SPS in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the significance of CT in the management of pediatric SPS.
- To determine if clinical features differ between pediatric SPS patients with and without focal brain lesions on CT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans for pediatric patients (≤15 years) with SPS over 15 months.
- Comparison of clinical features between patients with and without focal CT brain lesions.
Main Results:
- Focal structural lesions were identified in 59.09% of 198 children.
- Common lesions included contrast-enhancing lesions, calcifications, cysticercosis, atrophy, tuberculomas, and infarcts.
- Neuroinfections or sequelae caused seizures in 44.94% of cases; no significant clinical differences were found based on CT findings.
Conclusions:
- CT scans hold significant therapeutic relevance for pediatric SPS in developing countries.
- Clinical presentation alone cannot differentiate children with focal brain lesions from those without.
- CT imaging is crucial for identifying underlying pathologies in pediatric SPS in endemic regions.