Pattern Of Childhood Epilepsy at Minia University Hospital

Abstract:

Background: Epilepsy is one of the commonest problems encountered in pediatric practice. The study aimed at determining the various patterns of epilepsy in children from 2 to 18 years. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted at Minia University Maternity and Children Hospital, all children between the ages of 2 and 18 years with confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy were included. Results: About 46.7% were males 53.3% were females, the mean age 6.6 ±3.4. The most prevalent cause of seizure among the children is epileptic focus (66.7%). The mean age of onset of seizure is 19.7±15.9 months, 43.3% of seizers occurred during 1st year, 40% during 1-2 years and 16.7% above 3 years. (76.6%) had generalized convulsions, (10%) had focal seizures and (13.3%) had myoclonus.70% of cases were on two antiepileptic drugs, 16,6% on 3 antiepileptic drugs and 13.3 on 4 antiepileptic drug. Conclusions: It is important to classify all epilepsies depending on various clinical patterns in children and investigate them in order to initiate early therapy to prevent recurrences.