Epilepsy after a first unprovoked seizure in childhood.

One hundred sixty-eight children with an initial afebrile, unprovoked seizure were identified from a regional EEG laboratory. This case-finding method seemed justified because 86% of regional physicians indicated they order an EEG after a first seizure. Clinical information and recurrence rate were determined from records and telephone calls. Eighty-one percent had been seen by a pediatric neurologist. Overall, 51.8% recurred, and of those with a recurrence, 79% had additional seizures. Recurrence rates were highest in those with abnormal neurologic examination, focal spikes on EEG, and complex partial seizures. The lowest rates of recurrence followed a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, with normal EEG and normal neurologic examination. Prescription of anticonvulsants did not alter the recurrence rate.