A Cross-Sectional Study Done to Determine the Prevalence, Describe theClinical Profile and Identify the Risk Factors of Epilepsy in Children withCerebral Palsy

Background: The non-progressive motor impairment condition known as cerebral palsy (CP) is brought on bybrain lesions during early development, making it a major cause of childhood disability. CP is commonly associ-ated with comorbidities like epilepsy, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. The incidence of epilepsy inCP kids ranges from 20-45%, with an increased incidence in those with spastic quadriplegia. Epilepsy in CP isoften drug-resistant and can significantly affect the quality of life, requiring polytherapy for control.Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in children with CP and to identify the correlatedrisk aspects, including demographic, clinical, and aetiological factors.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Christian Medical College, India, with a sample sizeof 100 kids diagnosed with CP. The children were categorized based on the category of CP, severity of movementdisorders, and brain imaging results. Psychological assessments were used to evaluate intellectual development.Epilepsy was diagnosed following the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria. The study utilizedstatistical analyses to determine significant associations between selected parameters and epilepsy.Results: Children with epilepsy showed a higher prevalence of microcephaly, lower social quotient, neonatalseizures, and a family history of seizures. Perinatal and neonatal disorders were the most common aetiologies,with perinatal asphyxia and intrauterine growth restriction being prevalent. The majority of CP children withepilepsy had generalized seizures, and a significant portion exhibited drug-resistant epilepsy.Conclusion: Epilepsy is highly frequent in kids with CP, particularly those with microcephaly, developmentaldelays, and perinatal risk factors. The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and intervention to manageepilepsy and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.