P121 – 2636: Electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a complex patophysiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the frequency and degree of electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in children with MTBI without morphological brain impairment. Methods 114 participants between six months and 17.5 years of age have been admitted to Department of Surgery at General County Hospital, Požega, Croatia, between June 1st 2006 and February 1st 2011. Out of 114 participants, 74 (66%) were boys and 38 (34%) were girls. On each participant an EEG was performed within 24 hours after admission. Results EEG recording performed right after the injury was normal in 67 (58.8%) of cases and abnormal in 47 (41.2%) cases. From all abnormal recordings, EEG in 19 (16.6%) patients demonstrated diffuse dysrhythmia. Slowing was present in 13 (11.4%) EEGs (five diffusely and eight focally slowed). Paroxysmal EEG abnormalities were present in six (5.2%) patients. Focal spikes have been registrated in nine (7.8%) cases. Conclusion The study shows that children without morphological brain impairment may have EEG abnormalities directly after MTBI. It suggests that neuronal impairment occurs even in absence of observed intracranial pathology. Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a complex patophysiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the frequency and degree of electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in children with MTBI without morphological brain impairment. 114 participants between six months and 17.5 years of age have been admitted to Department of Surgery at General County Hospital, Požega, Croatia, between June 1st 2006 and February 1st 2011. Out of 114 participants, 74 (66%) were boys and 38 (34%) were girls. On each participant an EEG was performed within 24 hours after admission. EEG recording performed right after the injury was normal in 67 (58.8%) of cases and abnormal in 47 (41.2%) cases. From all abnormal recordings, EEG in 19 (16.6%) patients demonstrated diffuse dysrhythmia. Slowing was present in 13 (11.4%) EEGs (five diffusely and eight focally slowed). Paroxysmal EEG abnormalities were present in six (5.2%) patients. Focal spikes have been registrated in nine (7.8%) cases. The study shows that children without morphological brain impairment may have EEG abnormalities directly after MTBI. It suggests that neuronal impairment occurs even in absence of observed intracranial pathology.