The Majority of Children with Epilepsy Experience Postictal Phenomena, Often Preventing a Return to Normal Activities of Childhood

Publication date: Available online 11 March 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): Sarah J. MacEachern, Sabrina D'Alfonso, Roman J. McDonald, Nancy Thornton, Nils D. Forkert, Jeffrey R. Buchhalter
ObjectiveFollowing a seizure, patients with epilepsy have reported diverse symptoms in the postictal period, especially motor and cognitive dysfunction. However, these phenomena have not been well characterized in children, and their impact on patient well-being is not understood. We hypothesized that in a subset of epilepsy patients, postictal symptoms would affect their ability to return to normal childhood activities.MethodsTo test our hypothesis, a survey-based approach was used to characterize the type, frequency, and duration as well as the impact of these symptoms on the ability of these children to return their normal activities.ResultsIn this prospective study, data was analyzed from 208 patients seen in the outpatient Pediatric Neurology Clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital. It was found that 86% (179/208) of respondents reported postictal symptoms, with the most common symptom category being Fatigue/Sleepiness/Tiredness (90%; 161/179), and the greatest impact being Weakness/Unable to move normally, which prevented 78% of those affected (71/91) from returning to normal activities after a seizure. Children who had focal seizures were more likely to experience postictal fatigue, sleepiness, and/or tiredness (P=0.01 [Bonferroni corrected]), but no other postictal symptoms were significantly associated with a specific seizure type or epilepsy syndrome.InterpretationThe results of this study further our understanding of the frequency, type and duration of symptoms experienced in the postictal period and how these symptoms impact children with epilepsy. It is clear that postictal phenomena are often experienced following epileptic seizures and have a significant impact on the lives of children with epilepsy.



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