Epilepsy among children in Greenland

Abstract

Introduction. Epilepsy has been considered to be more frequent in Greenland than in Denmark, where the prevalence among children is 0.40 %. Study design. Evaluation of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy among children in Greenland aged 0–15 years. Methods. During autumn 2000, 13 out of 18 hospitals in Greenland were visited. The population of children in the areas visited was 11,965 of a total of 15,226 in Greenland. All children with the diagnosis of epilepsy were referred for evaluation and the diagnosis was confirmed. When possible, informed consent was obtained to collect data from medical records Results. 43 children (18 boys) had the diagnosis of epilepsy. For 38 (15 boys) further data were obtained. Mean age was 8.5 years (3-14) for boys and 7.9 years (2-14) for girls. The age at diagnosis was 4.9 years (1-11) for boys and 4.2 years (0-10) for girls. The prevalence of epilepsy was 0.34%. In 31 cases an electroencephalograph (EEG) recording was done, comprising sleep recordings in 26 cases. Medication was according to recommendations in Denmark. Conclusion. The prevalence of epilepsy in children and the medical treatment of epilepsy among children in Greenland is the same as in Denmark.