Electroencephalographic Patterns in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Clinical Insights from South Western Nigeria

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.