Adult brain computed tomography pattern among seizure patients in Kaduna: A 24-month review of findings

Abstract

Background: Seizures are intracranial neuronal disorders that are observed globally but often poorly investigated and managed in developing countries. The advent of modern diagnostic tools, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, is highly important in patient's workup toward diagnoses and subsequent management. Aim: The aim of this article is to evaluate the pattern of brain CT findings in adult patients presenting with seizure disorders in Kaduna and its environs. Materials and Methods: This is a 24-month retrospective and descriptive study carried out on 81 patients who presented between January 2017 and December 2018 at the Department of Radiology, National Ear Care Centre (NECC), Kaduna. Most of these patients with seizure disorders were normally referred to this center from within the state and from the neighboring states, and only those who satisfied the study criteria were included. Results: A total of 81 cases were reviewed (representing 8.4% of brain scans in NECC within the period of study). Males dominated with 64.2%, while those within the 20–29 years of age group constituted the highest number of patients who presented with seizures (30.9%). Imaging findings were normal in 26.7% of the patients. Conclusion: This shows the male preponderance of adult with seizures, with those in the third decade of life most affected. Headache and hemiparesis are the most common presenting complaints. In our environment, headache was the highest presenting symptom, followed closely by hemiparesis, while cerebral hypodensity was the most frequent finding.