Skull Roentgenography of Infants and Children With Convulsive Disorders

Abstract

Routine skull roentgenograms are not necessary in patients with well-documented, simple, febrile convulsions. In patients with recurrent, nonfebrile seizures, the need for roentgenographic examination should be determined after a detailed history and neurologic examination, pertinent laboratory evaluation, and electroencephalography. With the exception of perhaps unusual circumstances (e.g., posttraumatic seizures, a course suggesting a progressive neurologic syndrome, and increased intracranial pressure), skull roentgenograms are not an emergency procedure in childhood epilepsy and may be obtained whenever indicated in the course of a diagnostic workup. Focal seizures, abnormal findings on neurologic examination, persistent seizures despite anticonvulsant therapy, psychomotor epilepsy, infantile spasms, a history suggesting a deteriorating clinical condition, and suspicion of intracranial hypertension are situations in which skull roentgenography may be informative. Children with these conditions should be given consideration on an individual basis.