Spectrum and Patterns of EEG Abnormalities in a Peripheral Outpatient Centre in Kenya
EEG abnormalities in a peripheral outpatient clinic
Abstract
Introduction: Electro-encephalography (EEG), a recording of brain electrical activity is a useful test in evaluation of epilepsy and other paroxysmal events. The utility of EEG in Africa remains low, despite the high prevalence of epilepsy. This study aimed at evaluating the indications for, and patterns of EEG abnormalities as seen in a busy outpatient neurophysiology laboratory in Kenya.
Methods: This was a retrospective observational, non-interventional study. We abstracted and analysed EEG reports and recordings from 1st June 2021 to 31st December 2023. The sociodemographic data, handedness, reason for referral, clinical diagnosis, EEG abnormality and type of epileptiform and non-epileptiform patterns as well as the EEG diagnosis were coded and entered in SPSS version 27, IBM.
Results: A total of 445 EEGs were performed during the study period, with males making 53.9% of the cases. Majority of the patients (40.4%) were in the 10-19 years age category. 59.6% of patients were already on anticonvulsant medications. The commonest reason for referral was suspected seizure in 34.6% of cases and loss of consciousness without abnormal movement in 32.8% of cases. Among males, abnormal movement suspected to be seizure was the commonest presentation, while unconsciousness was the commonest presentation among females. The EEG demonstrated epileptiform abnormalities in 68.3% of cases, with generalized seizure present in 48.0% of cases. 40.6% of subjects in 10-19 years age category did not have any abnormality on EEG.
Conclusions: The current study underscores the high burden of seizure abnormalities in this rural set-up and the common reasons for referral, and the demographic features of patients presenting for EEG. It highlights the importance of EEG in distinguishing seizure and non-seizure episodes especially in paediatric and adolescent age groups
