title: Posttraumatic seizures in children with severe traumatic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of childhood death and disability worldwide. Seizures are a common complication of TBI and they are particularly common in pediatric populations. The proper management of children sustaining severe TBI is still controversial. Our study aims to share our experience contributing to build evidence for better care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review was performed on individuals ages 0 to <18 who presented to a level 1 trauma center during a 10-year period with the diagnosis of severe TBI. Data analyzed included patient's demographics, event information, clinical and radiological presentation, management, and midterm follow-up. Presence of seizures was tracked through EEG monitoring, staff witnessing, or guardian referral.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of early posttraumatic seizures (EPTS) observed in our population (19 %) exceeds those previously reported. Such findings likely reflect the importance of close monitoring including EEG. An association between the presence of EPTS and the development of late posttraumatic seizures (LPTS) was evidenced (p=0.001; 95 % CI 2.2, 16.5), while this association should not be assumed as a measure of causality, it should be considered for the management of patients presenting EPTS. Non-accidental trauma and young age were identified as independent predictors for the development of seizures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seizures are a common complication of severe TBI among children aged 0-3 years. Given the detrimental effects that seizures produce on the injured brain, close observation and appropriate monitoring with EEG are essential for the management of children sustaining severe TBI.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Research, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Ambulatory Building B, 1919 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA.
authors: Jorge I
authors: JI
authors: Arango
authors: Christopher P
authors: CP
authors: Deibert
authors: Danielle
authors: D
authors: Brown
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Bell
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Dvorchik
authors: P David
authors: PD
authors: Adelson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed