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Retinal haemorrhages and convulsions
S Sandramouli1, R Robinson, M Tsaloumas
1Birmingham Children's Hospital, NHS Trust, Ladywood.
Insights
Retinal haemorrhages are rare in children following convulsions. This study found no cases, suggesting further investigation is needed if haemorrhages are present, potentially indicating non-accidental injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinal haemorrhages are a concern in pediatric neurology.
- The link between convulsions and retinal haemorrhages requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of retinal haemorrhages in children after convulsive episodes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children admitted to the hospital post-convulsions was studied.
- Neurological and ocular examinations, including ophthalmoscopy, were performed within 48 hours of admission.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three children underwent examination and seizure classification.
- None of the children developed retinal haemorrhages, even with concurrent events like vomiting or resuscitation.
Conclusions:
- Convulsions are an unlikely cause of retinal haemorrhages in children.
- The presence of retinal haemorrhages necessitates a thorough evaluation for non-accidental injury.
Aims:
To evaluate the incidence of retinal haemorrhages after convulsions in children.
Patients And Methods:
All children who required hospital admission after an episode of convulsions were included in the study. Complete neurological and ocular examinations, including ophthalmoscopy, were undertaken within 48 hours of hospital admission.
Results:
Thirty three children were examined according to the protocol and their seizures were classified by a paediatric neurologist. Despite the fact that some of the children also vomited or underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation, none of the 33 children developed retinal haemorrhages.
Conclusions:
Convulsions rarely (if ever) give rise to retinal haemorrhages. The finding of retinal haemorrhages should stimulate a detailed assessment to exclude non-accidental injury, whatever the nature of the associated or antecedent events.