6th Edition of World Nursing Science Conference 2026
Speakers - WNSC2026
Oscar George Odhiambo
- Designation: Pediatric Neurologist, Ubuntu Neurology, Kenya
- Country: Kenya
- Title: Short Term EEG Versus Long Term EEG in the Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Epilepsy in a Low Resource Setting, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Introduction: Short-term electroencephalography (S-EEG) is the baseline diagnostic test for children with epilepsy. However, it may fail to capture interictal epileptiform activity in focal epilepsies, sleep-activated activity nor clearly define seizure semiology in unclear events. Long-term EEG (L-EEG) requires more resources and it is necessary to understand whether it offers clinically meaningful increase in diagnostic yield to justify use in resource-poor settings.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic yield of L-EEG compared to S-EEG in childhood epilepsy in Kenya.
Material and Methodology: This was a retrospective observational study of children less than 18 years old who underwent L-EEG and S-EEG for the diagnosis of epilepsy between January 2021 to December 2024 at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital(GCH) Muthaiga, and Aga Khan University Hospital(AKUH), both in Nairobi, Kenya. Clinical and EEG data was entered into REDCap database and statistical analysis was done using Intercooled STATA version 13.0.
Results: We made observation on 204 children: median age was 6 (IQR 2-10) years and 62% (n=125) were male. L-EEG was associated with greater finding of epileptiform activity (43%) compared to S-EEG (13%) (Mc Nemar’s Chi=62, P=0.000). There was no difference in diagnostic yield between 24-hour (41%) and overnight (44%) EEG recordings (P=0.232).
Conclusion: L-EEG has a significantly higher diagnostic yield compared to S-EEG. Limited access to L-EEG on account of resources widens inequities in the optimal management of childhood epilepsies.
Recommendations: Overnight telemetry may be more cost-effective compared to 24-hr EEG as a L-EEG modality in the management of childhood epilepsy
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