The diagnostic value of semiology, EEG and MRI in new-onset pediatric bilateral tonic-clonic seizures: A multimodal analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic contributions of semiology, Electroencephalography (EEG), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and longitudinal follow-up both, individually and in combination in classifying seizure type (focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic (FBTC) vs. generalized-onset bilateral tonic-clonic (GBTC)) in children with new-onset bilateral tonic-clonic (BTC) seizures.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 249 consecutive children who presented with new-onset BTC seizures. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment, a 3-h sleep-deprived EEG, an epilepsy protocol brain MRI, and standardized follow-up. Seizures were classified as FBTC or GBTC using predefined criteria. We assessed the diagnostic yield of each modality and their incremental value in improving classification.

RESULTS

Seizure semiology alone allowed classification in 22% of children. EEG findings enabled classification in 53%, with the highest yield (72%) among children aged 5-10 years. MRI revealed epileptogenic lesions in 14%, with structural abnormalities identified in 50% of children with developmental delay. Combining semiology, EEG, and MRI increased the classification yield to 73%, and follow-up further improved this to 81%. Notably, 30.8% of children ultimately diagnosed with GBTC seizures exhibited focal features such as head version or tonic posturing, underscoring the limited specificity of these signs in pediatric BTC seizures.

SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate classification of new-onset BTC seizures in children cannot rely on semiology alone. A multimodal approach-integrating EEG, MRI, and clinical follow-up-is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy. Our findings emphasize the nonspecific nature of certain focal features in GBTC seizures and advocate for a cautious, evidence-based approach when interpreting semiological signs. These results have direct implications for ASM selection and early management decisions in pediatric epilepsy.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Children who experience a first-time convulsive seizure need an accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate treatment. In our study of 249 children with new onset bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, we found that no single diagnostic tool, whether seizure description, EEG, or MRI, was sufficient on its own. However, when these tools were combined, clinicians were able to correctly determine the seizure type in more than 80% of cases. We also found that some signs typically considered focal, such as head turning, may still appear in generalized seizures. These findings underscore the importance of a multimodal approach to ensure optimal diagnosis and treatment planning for children with new onset seizures.