Prolonged convulsive seizures in childhood could be linked to the development of other brain conditions, a study suggests.

Lasting effects are more pronounced in children who had other neurologic problems before their seizure, researchers say.

The study—the first of its kind worldwide—provides insight into the long-term health impact of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), in which a single seizure, or series of seizures, lasts for at least 30 minutes.

Its findings will be important for doctors as they try to predict what the lasting outcomes might be for families, and how to monitor and treat children who have had a CSE.

Nine-year study

Researchers based at the University of Edinburgh and UCL (University College London) followed the health of more than 100 children for 9 years after they had CSE.

Lasting neurologic conditions, including epilepsy, learning disabilities, and movement problems, were more common than expected for children from the general population, the study found.

Children who had existing neurologic or developmental issues at the time of a CSE were more likely to have a neurologic problem at follow up, researchers say.

Children without an existing neurologic or developmental issue tended to have more positive outcomes.

Medical emergency

CSE is the most common medical emergency in young children, affecting 1 in 5,000 people per year in the developed world. Long-term consequences of CSE are not well established.

The findings offer fresh insights into the biological cause of long-term brain conditions in children after CSE and could help doctors decide on treatment for patients.

The study is published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.