Two forms of the 6/sec spike and wave complex

Abstract

In 3 decade 1550 patients showed 6/sec spike and wave complexes; 839 were chosen for computer-analyzed electroclinical correlations. Control groups (each 500) included patients (1) randomly selected from EEG files, (2) with normal EEGs, (3) with only slow wave abnormalities, and (4) with only spike abnormalities. In the experimental group more females and Caucasians were found with peak age distribution at 11–15 years. The major symptoms were seizures (53%), neurovegetative (51%) and psychological complaints (24%), all significantly different from control groups, except for seizures in control group 4. Seizures were mainly generalized motor attacks, neurovegetative symptoms included headaches, dizziness and blackouts and psychological symptoms were mainly behavior disorders. As a presumed etiology head injury was noted in over 25% with this complex, which was maximal either on the anterior or occipital areas. Further computer analysis shows that two extreme forms can be identified: (1) the WHAM form, seen mainly in waking records, high amplitude, anterior location, more males, and (2) the FOLD form, seen mainly in females, occipital location, low amplitude, in drowsy states. The WHAM form appears primarily in patients with seizures, and the FOLD form in patients with neurovegetative and psychological complaints.