Paediatric new-onset seizure clinic in Australia: Experience and lessons learnt

AIM: A new-onset seizure clinic (NOSC) was established at our hospital in 2011, with the aim to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to children with new-onset seizures or seizure mimics.

METHODS: We report on the data analysis of the first 200 children seen in NOSC. A paediatric neurologist or paediatric/neurology trainee under supervision of a neurologist reviewed all the children. A detailed history and clinical examination were undertaken. Electroencephalogram (EEGs) were undertaken prior to clinic review in most emergency departments. Children were classified as 'epilepsy positive' (EP+) or 'epilepsy negative' (EP-) after the first consultation.

RESULTS: Of 200 patients, 109 were classified as EP+: generalised epilepsy in 57 of 109, focal in 36, childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome in 26 and epileptic encephalopathy in 5. EEG was available in 192: in 117, it was abnormal - 23 with background abnormalities and 109 with epileptiform activity. Of the 109 patients, 80 were commenced on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs): 12 were able to come off medication after seizure-free period, 61 were controlled on AEDs and 7 were refractory. Children were followed up for 12-48 months. None of the children had diagnosis revised on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Australian study to report on a large cohort of children from a NOSC. An EEG and a paediatric neurologist assessment is a good combination to enable diagnostic accuracy: In the first 200 patients seen, there were no revisions of the initial diagnosis on follow-up.