Understanding Recurrence Rates of Pediatric Seizures

Author: Aaron Lessen, M.D.

Educational Pearls:

• Recurrence rate for first time unprovoked seizures - 5% after 48 hours, 14% at 2 weeks , 30% after 4 months.
• Higher risk for recurrence: age under 3; patients with multiple seizures at initial presentation, focal neurologic findings on initial presentation.
• Useful for counseling patients and recommending follow up.

References:

Shinnar S, Berg AT, Moshé SL, et al. Risk of seizure recurrence following a first unprovoked seizure in childhood: a prospective study. Pediatrics 1990; 85:1076.