Prevalence and Pattern of Headache in Pediatric Epilepsy

Overview

This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of headaches in children with epilepsy, aged 5-18 years. Approximately 60 children will participate at Assiut University Children's Hospital. The research will involve medical history collection, physical and neurological exams, EEG review, and blood tests. The study seeks to improve understanding of the relationship between epilepsy and headaches in children, potentially leading to better treatment strategies. Participation is voluntary, and the risks are minimal.

The primary aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to estimate the prevalence and characterize headaches in pediatric epilepsy patients. Secondary objectives include identifying potential risk factors and triggers associated with headaches in this population and assessing their impact on quality of life. Participant Criteria Inclusion criteria: Children aged 5-18 years with epilepsy Mentally normal and able to describe symptoms Willing to participate in the study Exclusion criteria: Children unable to express symptoms due to mental retardation, psychiatric illness, or verbal disability Children or parents who refuse to participate Methodology Sample Size: 60 patients, calculated using Epi-info version 7 software, based on a previous study showing 45.7% headache prevalence in pediatric epilepsy patients. Data Collection: Detailed medical history, including neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and musculoskeletal aspects Comprehensive headache history (onset, location, intensity, quality, duration, frequency, associated symptoms) Epilepsy history (age of onset, duration, type, medication, seizure control) General physical examination Neurological examination Investigations: Electroencephalogram (EEG) using Nihon Kohden model 1200 Neuroimaging studies (MRI, CT) if available Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Conditions

Eligibility

Outcomes