Original Articles
Clinical profile and electroencephalogram characteristics of children with self-limited epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes attending paediatric neurology clinic, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka
Authors:
Gemunu Hewawitharana,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
About Gemunu
Thilina Madushanka Munasinghe,
University of Ruhuna, LK
About Thilina
Faculty of Medicine
Ananda Kodithuwakku,
District General Hospital Matara, LK
Supun Ranitha Suriyaarachchi,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
About Supun
Imalke Kankananarachchi
University of Ruhuna, LK
About Imalke
Faculty of Medicine
Abstract
Introduction: Self-limited epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (SLECTS) is the commonest type of epilepsy in childhood. Though considered a benign condition in the past, there is growing evidence of its multiple neuropsychiatric involvement. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were not recommended in children with SLECTS due to its benign nature.
Objectives: To describe the clinical profile and EEG characteristics of children with SLECTS followed up at the paediatric neurology unit, Teaching Hospital Karapitiya.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, was carried out at the paediatric neurology clinic, THK from December 2021 to February 2022.
Results:A total of 113 children with SLECTS was included in the study. Of them, 61.1% were males. Mean age of the sample was 10 ± 2.8 years. Mean age of onset of seizures was 7 ± 2.5 years. Majority (87.5%) were diagnosed after one seizure episode and 13.3% had a history of febrile seizures. Developmental delay was evident among 5 (4.4%) patients. Speech arrest (91.2%), hypersalivation (74.3%) and hemifacial sensory-motor seizures (56.6%) were the main manifestations; 87.6% had seizures at night. Abnormal EEGs were found in 110 (97.3%) patients and 51.3% had bilateral typical SLECTS changes in the EEG. Twenty-seven (23.9%) parents had concerns about their children's school performance. Behavioural problems were reported in 37 (32.7%). Child psychiatry referrals were done on 12 (10.2%) occasions. AEDs were used on 72.6% of patients and 27.4% had achieved remission. Sodium valproate was the most widely used AEDs (79.6%). Most of the patients were managed with monotherapy.
Conclusions: There was male predominance. Mean age of onset of seizures was around 7 years; 87.5% were diagnosed after one seizure episode and 87.6% had seizures at night. The predominant EEG characteristic was bilateral typical centro-temporal spikes and waves. Speech arrest (91.2%), hypersalivation (74.3%) and hemifacial sensory-motor seizures (56.6%) were the main manifestations of the seizure.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2023; 52(1): 33-38
How to Cite:
Hewawitharana, G., Munasinghe, T.M., Kodithuwakku, A., Suriyaarachchi, S.R. and Kankananarachchi, I., 2023. Clinical profile and electroencephalogram characteristics of children with self-limited epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes attending paediatric neurology clinic, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 52(1), pp.33–38. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v52i1.10471
Published on
05 Mar 2023.
Peer Reviewed
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