Patterns of Seizures Among Children in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To identify the pattern of seizures among children admitted to Aseer Central Hospital in Abha, Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Methodology: This research explored retrospectively all hospital records of the Pediatrics Department, with the diagnosis of seizure during the period from January to December, 2010. A total of 272 records were analyzed (144 were for males, 52.9% and 128 were for females 47.1%). Age ranged from one month to 18 years (Mean±SD: 6.9±4.4 years). The study variables included age, sex, residence, etiology and type of seizure, family history of seizures, and received medications.Results: Idiopathic and cryptogenic seizures were the most common (42.6% and 42.3%, respectively). General seizures were the most common type (50.7%), while partial seizures affected 29.4% and in almost one fifth of cases, it was unclassified (19.9%). Family history of seizures was positive among 9.9% of cases. The most common prescribed medications for management of seizures were valproic acid (43.8%), phenobarbital (31.6%) and carbamazepine (22.8%).Conclusions: Seizures among children in Aseer Region affect more males than females, those who live in rural areas than in urban areas. Idiopathic and cryptogenic seizures are the most common etiologies for seizures. General seizures are the most common type. Most commonly used medications have their proven side effects on the cognitive and behavioral domains of affected children.