DO ALL THE CHILDREN WITH FEBRILE SEIZURES NEED AN EEG?

Dr. Shayla Imam Kanta* and Dr. A. Z. Moshiul Azam

ABSTRACT

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is not indicated in the diagnosis of febrile seizures (FS). In general, paediatric practice, information about its role in the assessment is often unclear and EEGs are frequently ordered. This study determines the usefulness of history and clinical presentations of children with febrile seizures, in predicting the likelihood of an abnormal EEG. Objectives: To ascertain the rational use of EEG in FS and predict the clinical profiles of patients who should undergo this investigation. Methods: This is a retrospective study of one year, January 2018-december 2018 of children with febrile seizures who were admitted in Dhaka Shishu Hospital. Inclusion criteria was all the cases of febrile seizures who were advised for EEG, known cases of epilepsy, encephalitis and meningitis were excluded from the study. The relationship between clinical variables such as age of presentation, timing of the EEG since the occurrence of the FS, family history of seizures, neurological signs, and EEG abnormalities, were analysed. Result: Results of approximately 100 children will be presented. They will show that clinical variables at presentation can be used to screen children with febrile seizures for whom an EEG should be considered. This may lead to better use of resources. Conclusion: The precise role of EEG in evaluation of patients with FS has not been established, however some clinical variables like positive family history, types of seizures and eventful birth history.

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