Role of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Brain Findings of Children with Seizure Disorders in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Seizures are relatively common but often poorly investigated in the developing world, with resultant inadequate management of the affected patients. This is worse with the paediatric age group. Imaging is key to the proper management of patients with seizures, including the paediatric age group. This paper intends to assess the imaging pattern of intracranial structural abnormal findings seen in children in our environment. Aim: The aim of this article is to evaluate the pattern of brain computed tomography (CT) findings among children presenting with seizure disorders in Kaduna and its environs. Methods: A retrospective study of 114 paediatric patients referred to the Radiology Department of the National Ear Care Centre (NECC) with a history of seizure disorders was done. The request forms, images and findings were reviewed by two independent consultant radiologists. Results: 114 children were seen within the study period, with a male predominance of 63% (male to female ratio of 1.7: 1). The most frequently affected group are those in the 11th and 12th years of age while those within the 7th to 10th age groups were the least affected. In addition to the seizure as a presenting symptom, 25% of these children also presented with complaints of headache. There was a history of head trauma in 17 % of these children. 21.3 % of the CT findings were normal while 19.7% had dilated lateral ventricles, followed by hypodense cerebri. Conclusion: Seizures are common in the pediatric age group in our environment and yet are often poorly investigated. The non-availability and high cost of MRI scans necessitated the use of the more available and affordable modality of imaging. The high yield of the diversity of CT scan findings in this study justified the appropriate use of CT scan in the diagnosis of suspected brain pathologies in our area.