Spectrum of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Children with Non-febrile Seizures at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Nigeria

Background: Seizure is a sudden, paroxysmal electrical discharge from the central nervous system resulting in involuntary motor, sensory or autonomic disturbances with or without alteration in sensorium. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice due to its ability to depict detailed neuro-anatomy and determine the possible aetiology of the seizure. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the spectrum of imaging findings of paediatric patients with seizure disorder in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the department of Radiology, in a tertiary hospital in Northwest Nigeria, over a period of six months on paediatric patients aged between 0 and 16 years from November 2023 to May 2024. Results: Ninety-three children were included in the study; the majority of the patients with seizure disorder were males 53.8%, while females were 46.2%, and most were between the ages of one and five years (54.8% of patients). The predominant risk factors seen in the patients were family history of seizure disorder in 17.2% and maternal obstetric complications in 16.1% of the patients. Abnormal MRI findings were seen in 37.6%, while 62.4% had normal findings. In those with abnormal findings, cerebral atrophy and cerebral infarcts were the most common findings and were seen in 12.9% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusion: MRI is beneficial in assessing children with seizure disorders. The majority of the patients are under five years. This study also gives useful information about the prevalence of structural brain abnormalities in children with seizure disorders.