EEG in the diagnosis and classification of the epilepsy syndromes: clinical practice in adult

After more than ۸۵ years of development and use in clinical practice, the electroencephalogram (EEG) remains a dependable, inexpensive, and useful diagnostic tool for the investigation of the electrophysiologic activity of the brain. Patterns in the interictal EEG make it possible to clarify the differential diagnosis of paroxysmal neurological events, classify seizure type and epilepsy syndromes, and characterize and quantify seizures when ictal recordings are obtained. EEG is an essential component in the evaluation of epilepsy. The EEG provides important information about background EEG and epileptiform discharges and is required for the diagnosis of specific electroclinical syndromes. Such a diagnosis carries important prognostic information, guides selection of antiepileptic medication, and suggests when to discontinue medication