title: The usefulness of electroencephalograms in a survey of children from the Western cape of South Africa.
abstract: There are few dedicated pediatric neurophysiology services in Africa. Optimizing the efficiency of these units is essential for the large populations they serve. Two hundred eighty-seven electroencephalogram (EEG) studies, performed in a sub-Saharan neurophysiology unit, were analyzed for referral sources, appropriateness of referral, reporting consistency, and use in confirming epilepsy or a neurologic process. Pediatric neurologists requested 24% of the electroencephalogram studies and pediatricians 45%. Pediatric neurologists requested more appropriate referrals than pediatricians or nonspecialists. The electroencephalogram studies assisted management in 40% of cases. Electroencephalogram studies for nonepileptic indications, such as syncope, were highly predictable and typically normal. Education and training in the management of children with epilepsy could improve requesting practice and the subsequent usefulness of electroencephalograms in the diagnosis of epilepsy syndromes. This is especially important in the context of a resource-poor country.
authors: Department of Neurophysiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa. vkander@hotmail.com
authors: Veena
authors: V
authors: Kander
authors: Gillian
authors: G
authors: Riordan
authors: Kirsty
authors: K
authors: Donald
authors: Jo
authors: J
authors: Wilmshurst
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D058256:Brain Waves / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010372:Pediatrics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology