Epilepsy in children with shunted hydrocephalus

• DOI: 10.3171/jns.1999.90.2.0274
• Publication Date: 2009-05-13T17:22:35Z
• Authors: Marie Bourgeois; Christian Sainte-...; Giuseppe Cinalli; Wirginia Maixner; Conor Malucci; Michel Zerah; Alain Pierre-Kahn; Dominique Renier; Elisabeth Hoppe-H...; Jean Aicardi
• Keywords: Epilepsy in children; Medical record

The incidence of epilepsy among children with hydrocephalus and its relation to shunts their complications, raised intracranial pressure (ICP), developmental outcome are explored in a retrospective study.The authors studied series 802 due varying causes, who were treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement between 1980 1990, mean follow-up period 8 years. Patients had tumoral those whose files lacked significant data excluded. Data extracted from medical records, including history the seizures, if any, analyzed. Thirty-two percent epilepsy, onset which frequently occurred at approximately same time that diagnosis was made. majority affected severe uncontrolled epilepsy. significantly original cause hydrocephalus. presence radiological abnormalities also found be predictor Similarly, complications predisposed Episodes ICP related or association malfunction may predispose epileptic seizures. Furthermore, itself seems able promote an epileptogenic focus. Finally, appears important poor intellectual hydrocephalic shunts.A prospective study is needed identify clearly confirm avoidable factors predisposing seizures these so we can strive reduce and, subsequently, improve children's quality life.