New onset childhood seizures. Emergency department experience.

Fifty-six cases of new onset seizures evaluated in a pediatric emergency department (ED) during a one-year period were assessed retrospectively for efficiency of diagnosis and workup. The majority of patients (69%) were less than two years of age. Based on etiology, the most common seizure type was febrile (71%) followed by idiopathic (21%) and symptomatic (7%). Significant laboratory abnormalities were found in four (7%) patients; two had hyponatremia, one carbamazepine overdose and one bacterial meningitis. Screening laboratory tests including brain CT scans were generally not helpful. A thorough history including specific details regarding the seizure and a complete physical examination should eliminate the need for major laboratory and radiologic workup in the emergency department.