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Neuropediatrics 1993; 24(4): 193-199
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071538
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

EEG Features of Cortical Dysplasia in Children

J. A. Quirk1 , B.  Kendall2 , D. P. E. Kingsley2 , S. G. Boyd1 , M. C. Pitt1
  • 1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, U.K.
  • 2Department of Radiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, U.K.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Two distinctive electroencephalographic abnormalities, very high amplitude rhythmic activity or prominent fast activity, have been described in children with extensive cortical dysplasia. Cases with cortical dysplasia identified on computerised tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, or a characteristic EEG were selected. One hundred and forty electroencephalograms from 94 cases were reviewed and related to the imaging findings. An EEG with very high amplitude rhythmic activity was found to have high specificity for severe cortical dysplasia but low sensitivity (< 50 % cases). Abnormal fast activity was not specific and was seen with very diverse pathologies. The EEG features of most cases with localised cortical dysplasia were very variable. The EEG could be normal even when the cortical dysplasia was extensive.

These differences emphasise the need for both detailed neuroimaging and neurophysiological investigations when assessing children with neurological problems.

Key words

Cortical dysplasia - Subcortical dysplasia - Electroencephalogram - Computer tomography - Magnetic resonance imaging

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