Seizure increases electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with tuberculous meningitis
Abstract: Tuberculous
meningitis (TBM) is a severe intracranial infection with fatal outcomes,
permanent disabilities, and electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities.
Seizures may occur in TBM. The EEG findings in TBM vary according to the site
of the inflammatory process. There are few studies describing the EEG patterns
and clinical manifestations of TBM. The objective of this study was to
investigate the correlation between clinical findings and EEG patterns in
children with TBM.
Methods
A study of cross-sectional design using medical records was conducted on
12 children with TBM, with their EEG patterns classified as abnormal and
normal. Clinical manifestations such as seizures, altered consciousness,
headache or fever were collected. A positive cerebrospinal fluids Mycobacterium
tuberculosis culture was considered to indicate definitive TBM. Abnormal EEG
descriptions were classified into abnormal I, II or III. Correlation between
EEG pattern and clinical manifestation were analyzed with Fisher’s exact test.
Results
The study found cases of 12 children with TBM, the majority presenting
with seizures, decreased consciousness and fever. Abnormal EEGs were found in
75% of children and 77% of them showed epileptogenic activities. The EEG
results mostly described epileptogenic potentials in the frontotemporal region.
There was a significant correlation between EEG abnormality and seizures in
children with TBM (p<0.05).
Conclusions
The EEG pattern in children with TBM varies, and EEG abnormalities were
more frequently localized in the frontotemporal region. Seizures were
associated with EEG abnormalities in children with TBM. EEG abnormalities
occurring simultaneously with seizures may predict the occurrence of seizures.
Author: Prastiya Indra
Gunawan, Darto Saharso
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg150282
