Encephalopathy electroencephalogram

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

EEG is a test of cerebral function, it indicates any generalized or focal dysfunction of brain. Generalized slowing of EEG waves is seen in diffuse encephalopathies. It helps in differentiating in epileptiform encephalopathies and epilepsy conditions.

Electroencephalogram

Generalized slowing – diffuse encephalopathies
Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges^[1]
Low voltage activity is seen all over the brain
Triphasic waves can be seen in few cases

EEG characteristics in METABOLIC and ENDOCRINE disorders
Metabolic Abnormality	Posterior Background Rhythm	Theta/Delta Activity	Fast Activity	Reactivity	Response to photic stimulation	Periodic Delta	Periodic Sharp waves	FIRDA	PLEDS	TWs	Epileptiform activity	NCSE
Hyperthyroidism	fast	increased	excessive		prolonged high voltage					x	x	x
Hypothyroidism	slow	increased-low voltage		poor			x			x
HYpercortisolism	slow	increased	excessive								x
Hypocortisolism	slow	increased-high voltage	decreased							x
Hyperglycemia	slow	increased-high voltage	excessive					x	x		x	x
Hypoglycemia	slow	increased							x		x	x
Hyponatremia	slow	increased-high voltage				x		x	x	x	x	x
Hypercalcemia	slow	increased-high voltage				x			x	x	x
Hypocalcemia	slow	increased-high voltage									x	x
Hypomagnesemia	slow	increased-focal									x
Thiamine deficiency	slow	increased-low voltage		poor							x
Porphyria	slow	increased-high voltage									x

References

↑ Husain AM, Mebust KA, Radtke RA (1999). “Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges: etiologies, relationship to status epilepticus, and prognosis”. J Clin Neurophysiol. 16 (1): 51–8. PMID 10082092. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

^[1] Template:WH Template:WS

↑ Faigle R, Sutter R, Kaplan PW (2013). “Electroencephalography of encephalopathy in patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders”. J Clin Neurophysiol. 30 (5): 505–16. doi:10.1097/WNP.0b013e3182a73db9. PMC 3826953. PMID 24084183.

[pmid10082092-1] Husain AM, Mebust KA, Radtke RA (1999). “Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges: etiologies, relationship to status epilepticus, and prognosis”. J Clin Neurophysiol. 16 (1): 51–8. PMID 10082092. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

[pmid24084183-2] Faigle R, Sutter R, Kaplan PW (2013). “Electroencephalography of encephalopathy in patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders”. J Clin Neurophysiol. 30 (5): 505–16. doi:10.1097/WNP.0b013e3182a73db9. PMC 3826953. PMID 24084183.

[1]

[1]

Encephalopathy electroencephalogram

Overview

Electroencephalogram

References

Looking for the patient version?