Electroencephalography findings in childhood epilepsy in a Saudi population: Yield, pattern and determinants of abnormality

Objective The study was designed to evaluate the yield, pattern, and factors that are independently associated with electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in childhood epilepsy in a Saudi population. Methods We characterised the features of the first EEG and evaluated the associated factors in children with epilepsy in a Saudi population. The features of interictal epileptiform discharges (interictal epileptiform activity (IEA)) adopted by the International Federation of Societies for Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology were used in the study. Result A total of 756 paediatric patients, comprised of 427 men (56.5%) and 329 women (43.5%) with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, underwent EEG. Clinically, seizure was generalised in 619 (81.9%) patients and focal in 137 (18.1%). Among the patients, 397 (52.51%) had an abnormal EEG, while EEG was normal in 359 (47.49%) patients. Seizure frequency, gender, family history of epilepsy, and age were independent predictors of the presence of EEG abnormalities. Conclusion This study revealed a yield of 52% abnormal EEG findings in children with epilepsy. Age, gender, family history, and seizure frequency were independent predictors of the presence of EEG abnormalities in childhood epilepsy.