Clinico-investigative Profile of the First Episode of Seizure in Children Aged 2 Months to 5 Years in Western Rural Maharashtra, India: A Descriptive Observational Study

Abstract Background: This study assessed the clinical and investigative patterns among children aged 2 months to 5 years presenting with a first seizure episode in a tertiary care hospital in rural Western Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: This descriptive observational study included 38 children with no prior history of seizures. Each participant underwent clinical evaluation, relevant laboratory investigations and imaging where indicated. Data were reviewed for seizure type, associated features, likely causes and socioeconomic background. Results: Most children were aged between 6 and 18 months. A slight male predominance was observed. Febrile seizures were the most common type, with fever reported in the majority of cases. Infections such as bronchopneumonia and urinary tract infections were frequently identified as causes. Abnormalities were found on magnetic resonance imaging in several cases, and electroencephalography results were abnormal in children with suggestive clinical features. A large proportion of the study population belonged to economically disadvantaged households. Conclusion: Febrile seizures remain the predominant cause of first-time seizures in young children, especially in low-income rural communities. Timely diagnosis, improved community awareness and access to appropriate care may reduce complications and improve outcomes.