EEG-Diagnostik bei Epilepsien

Abstract

In spite of its former widespread use in neurology, EEG has lost much of its value due to the progress in imaging methods. For recording epileptic activity, however, EEG has not lost its clinical relevance because it is able to capture the characteristic pathological synchronization phenomena underlying epileptic activity. Digital methods of registration and evaluation have improved the precision of EEG interpretations and led to improved sensitivity and specificity in the identification of epileptiform activity. EEG remains indispensable for diagnosis, syndromatic classification, monitoring of therapy and localization of foci. In order to interpret EEG properly, however, a good knowledge regarding the limits of EEG interpretation is of critical importance; this refers especially to the sensitivity and specificity of epileptiform patterns, the spatial resolution of surface EEG, syndromatic specificity, and individual prognostic value depending on the epilepsy syndrome and the treatment setting. This review describes these aspects while aiming at a targeted and valid clinical use of EEG diagnostics.