Risk Factors for Seizure Recurrence in Children Following an Unprovoked Seizure

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for seizure recurrence in children who have experienced an unprovoked seizure and have normal sleep electroencephalogram (EEG). Method: The study population included 80 children who presented with first unprovoked seizure and had normal sleep EEG in the first week of the seizure. Demographic data and characteristics of the seizure were recorded from patient files. Patients were evaluated for seizure recurrence at the first year of the initial seizure and classified into two groups: Group 1 (no seizure recurrence) and Group 2 (seizure recurred). Results: The study population comprised 80 patients. The mean age at presentation was 82.3 ± 56.1 months. The first seizure type was generalized in 77.5% of the patients, with a mean seizure duration of 5 minutes. Group 2, consisted of 35 patients (44%) who had seizure recurrence during the first year. Seizure recurrence was within the first 6 months in 29 (83%) of the patients. There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, consanguinity, birth history, mental development, presence of seizure or epilepsy in the family, seizure type, seizure duration, seizure occurring at sleep or awake time, and the number of seizures in the first 24 hours and cranial imaging findings between group 1 and group 2. Discussion: Following a first unprovoked seizure, we could not find any risk factor for recurrence of the seizure in the children who have normal EEG evaluation. We suggest larger series and extended follow-up will be helpful to identify the risk factors for recurrence in this population.