The incidence of seizure disorder in children with acquired and congenital hydrocephalus.

202 cases of children with shunted hydrocephalus of congenital or acquired origin were studied and the incidence of seizure disorder was found to be 39%. However in only 17% of cases was the seizure disorder found to be persistent. Focal seizures were rarer than expected. If focal seizures were present they did not appear to be related to shunt site. 9.4% of children suffered an episode of status epilepticus. A large number of incidents of seizures could be shown to have a specific precipitant, usually CSF infection or shunt related problems. No aspect of birth history or development or treatment of the hydrocephalus was related to the occurrence or seizure disorder or type of fit experienced. Children with persistent seizure disorder were found to be more likely to be of low IQ, physically handicapped and at Special School.