Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition affecting a significant number of children in Saudi Arabia. However, the specific risk factors contributing to its development in this population remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically determine and analyze the risk factors contributing to the development of epilepsy in Saudi Arabian children. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was carried out to identify studies meeting the inclusion criteria. An in-depth search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, and Web of Science was conducted to find pertinent material. This review included seven trials with 2547 children diagnosed with epilepsy and 1725 (67.7%) were males. The majority reported structural/metabolic causes as risk factors for the development of epilepsy. Perinatal insults (mainly hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy), brain shrinkage/ microcephaly, hydrocephalus, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and neonatal convulsions were found to be major risk factors for epilepsy in children. Family history and consanguinity of epilepsy were independent and significant risk factors of epilepsy among Saudi children. Epilepsy, a serious neurological illness, affects children in Saudi Arabia and is influenced by various risk factors. Key factors include genetic predisposition, prenatal complications, central nervous system infections, head trauma, and metabolic abnormalities. Consanguinity, which is relatively common in Saudi Arabia, significantly contributes to the genetic risk of epilepsy. It is essential to comprehend these risk factors to identify, intervene, and manage them early on and enhance the quality of life for impacted children and their families.
Key words: Epilepsy, risk factors, children, Saudi Arabia, systemic review
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