Objective : To study clinical profile and identify risk factors for EPTS in children

Introduction : Early post-traumatic seizures (EPTS) are seizures occurring within first week after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Identifying risk factors for EPTS may help guide AED prophylaxis and improve outcome.

Methods :

24 children aged 1-month to 12-years with first episode of TBI who had EPTS admitted to a tertiary hospital were included . Children with epilepsy were excluded. According to Glasgow Coma Scale, TBI was classified as: Mild 13-15; Moderate 9-12 and Severe < 8.

Results and Analysis:

EPTS were most commonly found in children between the ages of 3-5 years, signifying increased mobility in pre-school children. The most common mode of injury was fall from height (87.5%). Reported accidents were from ladders, due to lack of parapet and poor infrastructure of house.

15 children (62%) with EPTS had mild TBI, 5 (21%) severe TBI and 4 (17%) moderate TBI.Majority had generalised seizures (70.8%) and 29.1% had recurrent seizures .The most common CT Brain findings were epidural hematoma and cerebral-oedema .There was no significant association between the CT findings and severity of TBI .EPTS occurred most commonly with mild TBI and it was within 24 hrs in 93% of children.

Conclusion:

Pediatric TBI can be prevented by improving the infrastructure of the house .The most common risk factors for EPTS were younger age and mild TBI .AED prophylaxis in mild TBI can prevent EPTS .