abnormal focal EEG and autism/behavior

My son is 9 w/ "severe autism" ,type 1 diabetes,DD,hypotonia..etc he does NOT have a dx of epilepsy or a history of seizures. I did see him have one seizure(no trigger) in Dec,his EEG showed continues eptilform discharges that increased during sleep,that were coming from the left frontal lobe and excess overlying beta range activity (he was NOT sedated).He  had a MRI yesterday(will know the results of that tomorrow).He also has had a increase of aggressive  behaviors, We see the  neurologist next week.

What can the MRI rule out? What causes excess overlying beta range activity(w/out medication)

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The MRI will be useful for evaluating for structural etiologies causing the epileptiform abnormalities. These may include vascular etiologies (such as strokes, vascular malformations, etc), parenchymal (such as abnormal brain development, regression of initially normal tissue, etc), and others.

I agree your son should follow up with a pediatric neurologist. Was the EEG performed with minimal benzodiazepine? When was the EEG obtained with regards of the timing of the MRI? Many times, children are given sedation for the MRI which may be reflected on the EEG.
  
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[caandahl]

Hi,
When he had the EEG he was not sedated.He had the MRI a week AFTER he had the EEG.

The Dr said the MRI was normal,what can the MRI not rule out? What would cause excess overlying beta range activity? It also said he had theta slowing.

We see the neuro on Thursday