Muhammad Saeed, Mallikarjuna Meghaji, Muhammad Al, Saad Al Tubaity.
Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) and diagnosis of childhood epilepsy.
Pak Paed J Jan ;34(3):154-7.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of the electroencephalography (EEG) in revealing abnormalities in patients suspected epilepsy. Introduction: Electroencephalography (EEG) is useful in determination of the foci and intensity of epileptic discharges. It is currently estimated that more than 10 million children all over the world have epilepsy and electroencephalography is the most commonly used investigation in the diagnostic test of these patients. Material and Methods: It is a record review study. A total of 830 EEGs were performed over a period of two years from January 2008 to December 2009 at the Children Hospital Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 720 fulfilled the proposed clinical criteria, 2 episodes of unprovoked seizures 24 hours apart, age from 1 month to 12 years. All EEGs were recorded digitally, with a minimum duration of 25 minutes and electrodes positioned according to the international system 10-20. Neonates were excluded from the study. Results: Out of 830 EEGs 720 were included in the study, 290(40.2%) yielded abnormal results, 140 (48.2%) with abnormalities of the background activity (disorganization or asymmetry) and 150 (60%) with epileptiform paroxysms. The abnormal EEGs were 290 (40.2%). Sharp wave occurred in 60 cases (53%), spike in 21 (14%), spike- wave in 20 (8%), polyspikes-wave in 19 (12.5%) and with discharges of more than one morphology in 30 (20.66%). Conclusion: EEG remains the primary technique in the diagnosis, characterization, and localization of epileptiform discharges. Interictal epileptiform discharges are common and assist in the diagnosis and localization of epilepsy. Due to its relatively low cost, simple technique and good sensitivity, the EEG is the routine test most frequently used in the investigation of patients with the clinically suspected epilepsy.

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