A Retrospective Audit Study of EEG Services in UITH, Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction : Electroencephalography (EEG) has remained a valuable tool in the investigation of neurological disorders since it was introduced by Hans Berger in 1892 despite the discoveries of other modern diagnostic procedures. Being cheap and non-invasive has contributed to this continued relevance in clinical practice.
Methods: A retrospective audit of the record of EEG requests between 2003 and 2010 at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, North Central Nigeria was carried out in 2012. This was to determine the reasons for EEG requests and the sources of requests.
Results: Of the 973 records analysed, seizure disorders accounted for 858 (88.2%) of the reasons for EEG requests while sleep disorders accounted for merely 2 (0.2%) of the requests. General Outpatient Department (GOPD), Medicine, Paediatrics and Behavioural Sciences were notable departments that made requests (29.8%, 26.3%, 25.1% and 6.6% respectively). There was poor documentation and poor record keeping ; some important information were not recorded in the logbook nor kept electronically.
Conclusion: EEG is still being utilized as a diagnostic tool in UITH particularly for seizure management. More efforts need to be put in place for the use of EEG in the management of other disorders. To improve on the usefulness of the EEG in patients' management and research, a better record keeping system preferably in electronic format is advised.

Key Words: Electroencephalography, Seizure, Disorders, Requests, Audit