Absence of drug-induced beta-activity in the electroencephalogram. A sign of severe cerebral impairment.

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In 53 chronic epileptics with severe EEG abnormalities and under treatment with barbituric anticonvulsants, little or no fast activity was found in 44 patients. The serum concentration level (mostly phenobarbital) was in the therapeutic range in 11 and in the excessive range in 14 patients while no levels were obtained in the remaining 19 patients. Despite the lack of drug-induced fast activity, fast repetitive spike discharges and seizures with prolonged fast spike activity were demonstrated. The absence of the fast drug response is regarded as a sign of serious cerebral impairment due to the severity of the epileptic condition. The latter could be further enhanced by toxic drug levels.