ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic utility of routine electroencephalogram and video electroencephalogram monitoring.

We performed a retrospective analysis on patients admitted to our video electroencephalogram monitoring unit. The yield of routiene electroencephalogram and video electroencephalogram monitoring was compared and assessed with the detection of epileptiform discharges.

Out of 191 patients, the epileptiform discharges found in routiene electroencephalogram and video electroencephalogram monitoring were 39 (21%) and 99 (52%), respectively. The yield of epileptiform discharges differed significantly between video electroencephalogram monitoring and routiene electroencephalogram (P < .001). While the epileptiform discharges detection rate (95% CI) was 0.29 (0.25-0.46) for routiene electroencephalogram, it was 0.93 (0.86-0.97) for video electroencephalogram monitoring.

Compared to routiene electroencephalogram, video electroencephalogram monitoring is superior in detecting epileptiform discharges.

Keywords: EEG, video EEG monitoring, epilepsy, epileptiform discharges