Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: EEG & waves

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Neurology - General

Re: EEG & waves

Re: EEG & waves



Posted by CCF Neuro MD *!* on December 02, 1997 at 16:38:05:

In Reply to: EEG & waves posted by Janet on December 01, 1997 at 22:22:42:

: Could you explain what a vortex wave is from an EEG? In my daughters EEG report it said it was abnormal due to asymmetric vortex waves being seen better on the left as compared with the right. She is autistic.


Thank you



I suspect that what you are describing are not vOrtex waves on the EEG
but vErtex waves, so described because they are seen at the top or vertex
of the head.
I have not come across the term vortex in this context.
Vertex waves are a normal phenomenon seem in the early stages of sleep,
and are usually localized right in the centre rather than to one side or
the other. The finding of lateralised vertex waves (that is waves
localised to one side or the other) is not specific for any particular
abnormality, nor does it suggest any underlying problem.
This is simply one of the many variants from the normal which are seem on
a wide range of biological tests and while they are noted in the report
do not suggest any sinister underlying significance.
I have performed a 20 year textword data search on the term vertex waves
on the Medline data base ( which references 3600 medical journals )
and can find no report of any serious significance of this finding,
nor is there any reported association with autism.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.





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