Decorticate, decerebrate and opisthotonic posturing and seizures in Kenyan children with cerebral malaria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Abnormal motor posturing is often observed in children with cerebral malaria, but the aetiology and pathogenesis is poorly understood. This study examined the risk factors and outcome of posturing in Kenyan children with cerebral malaria.

Methods

Records of children admitted to Kilifi district hospital with cerebral malaria from January, 1999 through December, 2001 were reviewed for posturing occurring on or after admission. The clinical characteristics, features of raised intracranial pressure, number of seizures and biochemical changes in patients that developed posturing was compared to patients who did not.

Results

Of the 417 children with complete records, 163 (39.1%) had posturing: 85 on admission and 78 after admission to hospital. Decorticate postur

SUBMITTER: Idro R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1326205 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature