Electroencephalographic Patterns in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Clinical Insights from South Western Nigeria
Oluwasikemi Alalade *
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Center, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Isiaka Amoo
EEG Department, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Abisola Lawal
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Center, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Obatomi Alalade
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Center, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Adedeji Titilayo
EEG Department, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Olufunmilayo Adewoye
EEG Department, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Joseph Osayemi
EEG Department, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Ifeoma Nkwocha
EEG Department, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The present study examines the pattern of electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities and their demographic and diagnostic characteristics among children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) referred for EEG at a child mental health facility in Southwestern Nigeria.
Study Design: A prospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Center, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos, between July and December 2024.
Methodology: We included 167 children (aged 0–18 years) with confirmed NDD diagnoses. EEGs were performed using a 64-channel Nihon Kohden system, following the international 10-20 electrode placement protocol. EEG features were classified, and statistical analyses (Chi-square, logistic regression) were used to explore associations.
Results: The mean age was 6.75 ± 4.79 years; 58.7% were male. The most common diagnoses were seizure disorder (30.5%), autism spectrum disorder (15.6%), and global developmental delay (15.6%). Abnormal EEGs were seen in 51.5% of participants, with burst epileptiform activity (18.6%) and primary generalized epilepsy (17.4%) being the most common. Abnormal discharges were frequently localized to frontal and temporal lobes. Age group and diagnosis significantly predicted EEG abnormalities (p<.001). Children aged 6–11 years and those with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) or GDD+seizures were at higher risk.
Conclusion: EEG abnormalities are common among clinically indicated NDD cases and may support early detection of cortical dysfunction, especially in children with GDD and seizures.
Keywords: EEG, neurodevelopmental disorders, children, cortical excitability, Nigeria, seizure disorder