New onset childhood seizures. Emergency department experience.
Fifty-six cases of new onset seizures evaluated in a pediatric emergency department (ED) during a one-year period were assessed retrospectively for efficiency of diagnosis and workup. The majority of patients (69%) were less than two years of age. Based on etiology, the most common seizure type was febrile (71%) followed by idiopathic (21%) and symptomatic (7%). Significant laboratory abnormalities were found in four (7%) patients; two had hyponatremia, one carbamazepine overdose and one bacterial meningitis. Screening laboratory tests including brain CT scans were generally not helpful. A thorough history including specific details regarding the seizure and a complete physical examination should eliminate the need for major laboratory and radiologic workup in the emergency department.
Landfish
N
N
University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Gieron-Korthals
M
M
Weibley
R E
RE
Panzarino
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000191:economics; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005334:Fever; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology