Diagnostic value of pediatric outpatient video-EEG.

ABSTRACT

Outpatient video-electroencephalography (OVEEG) was performed in 100 infants, children, and adolescents with diagnosed (group I, n = 64) or suspected (group II, n = 36) epilepsy. Median monitoring duration was 4 hours. Indications for OVEEG in group I were classification of seizures, reported seizure exacerbation, or onset of new signs. OVEEG indications in group II were repetitive paroxysmal and stereotyped signs of myoclonic movements, fixed gaze, abnormal behavior, or nonmyoclonic motor activity. In group I patients, symptomatic events were recorded in 89%, half of which were seizures. Among group II patients, events were recorded in 67% and were seizures in 22%. Overall, OVEEG was successful in 83% of patients. Compared to a 24-hour inpatient admission for video-EEG monitoring, OVEEG represented cost reductions of 55-80% per patient. We conclude that OVEEG is a cost-effective, useful alternative to continuous inpatient video-EEG monitoring in the investigation of selected infants, children, and adolescents with diagnosed or suspected epilepsy.