Subject: Re: Is this eeg normal?
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area: Epilepsy
Posted by CCF neuro MD* on October 13, 1998 at 22:16:36:
In Reply to: Is this eeg normal? posted by Robert on October 13, 1998 at 19:27:49:

History: 27 yr old male, with one previous generalized seizure 3 months
prior to eeg, currently on 600mg Tegretol.

EEG: Basic activity is that of a 10 cycle/second posterior alpha bilaterally,
spreading throughout the hemispheres, with a moderate amount of shifting
theta with some sharp definitely present over the left hemisphere. On
page 613, sharp transient over the left but sometimes the right more over
the frontal area. The EEG has a fairly well-maintained alpha but, again,
theta and sharp is present. Hyperventilation was done. Again, random
moderate sharp present, somewhat bilateral, but, again, more on the
left than the right. Post hyperventilation continued. Page 681, again,
shows transient sharp. EKG is normal throughout. Photic stimulation
no change. No real well-organized stage 2 sleep present.

Interpretation and Assessment: This EEG is a random sharp wave without
evidence of focal delta or classical spike. At times, it is more
prominent over the left than it is the right. Clinical correlation
is needed.

Dear Robert,

Your EEG is abnormal. The sharp wave described in the report is an epileptogenic discharge; that is that region has the potential to produce a seizure. Alpha rhythm is normal in an awake adult, however, theta rhythms indicate slowing. From your report, the slowing is more on the left side of the head than on the right side (this is also abnormal). Both side of the brain should produce fairly symmetric patterns. The focal sharp waves and slowing from the left hemisphere could possibly be due to an underlying abnormality. I would recommend getting an evaluation by a neurologist and an MRI scan of the brain. If you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Good Luck.

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