Classification of epilepsy in children 6 months to 12 years of age according to International League Against Epilepsy Classification

Abstract

Introduction:Seizure constitutes the most common neurological problem in children and most common neurological emergency attended by paediatrician.1 Less than one third of seizures in children are caused by epilepsy, a condition in which seizures are triggered recurrently from within the brain. An estimated 2.4 million new cases of seizure occur each year globally. At least 50% cases begin in childhood or adolescent age group. Computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and long term EEG monitoring are available to the health professionals.3 Understanding the classification of epileptic seizures is the first step towards the correct diagnosis, treatment and prognostication of the condition. The initial management of a patient with seizures begins with an understanding of the patient’s seizure type and, if pertinent, epilepsy syndrome. Specific seizure types or syndromes often respond better to specific medications or surgical approaches.5 We conducted this to study the clinical profile of epilepsy in children 6 months to 12 years of age & to classify epilepsy in children 6 months to 12 years of age according to International League Against Epilepsy classification 1989.Aims and Objectives:To study the clinical profile & Classification of epilepsy in children 6 months to 12 years of age having epilepsy  according to International League Against Epilepsy classification 1989.Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-section conducted in the department of paediatrics of a tertiary care centre over 2 years. The study group consisted of two hundred seven children between the age groups of 6 months to 12 years having epilepsy were included in this study on the basis of  predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria A detailed history and thorough clinical examination was done for all patients. E.E.G., CT scan and M.R.I was obtained from the case files. Statistical analysis was done using SSPE 21.0. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results:Of the 207 studied cases there were 131 males & 76  females with  M:F ratio of 1.72:1 showing a male preponderance.Conclusion:Generalized seizures with tonic clonic presentation were most common seizure type reported. The ILAE classification of epilepsy and epilepsy syndrome 1989 is more complex and many of the syndromes do not adequately fit in to this syndromic classification.Though it is complicated and hectic most patients can be classified by these schemes, with some time and effort.