What is the gold standard test for assessing metabolic causes of seizures in children?

The gold standard test for assessing metabolic causes of seizures in children is a lumbar puncture. This procedure allows for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can reveal specific metabolic disturbances, infections, or other abnormalities that might be causing the seizures.

Metabolic causes of seizures can include conditions such as hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, or infections like encephalitis or meningitis. By obtaining CSF, healthcare professionals can check for the presence of pathogens, measure glucose and protein levels, and assess for other biochemical markers. This comprehensive assessment is critical because some metabolic disturbances need immediate intervention to prevent further neurological damage.

While imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRI can identify structural abnormalities in the brain, they do not provide information regarding metabolic states. EEGs are valuable for assessing electrical activity in the brain and can help classify seizure types, but they do not directly evaluate metabolic conditions. Therefore, lumbar puncture is essential for diagnosing potential metabolic reasons behind seizures.