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Electroencephalographic Features of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Mohammed M. Jan ,
Mark Sadler  and
Susan R. Rahey
Mohammed M. Jan*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Mark Sadler
Affiliation:
Division of Neurology and Dalhousie, University Medical School, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Susan R. Rahey
Affiliation:
Neuroelectrodiagnostic Unit, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
*
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract

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Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important tool for diagnosing, lateralizing and localizing temporal lobe seizures. In this paper, we review the EEG characteristics of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Several “non-standard” electrodes may be needed to further evaluate the EEG localization, Ictal EEG recording is a major component of preoperative protocols for surgical consideration. Various ictal rhythms have been described including background attenuation, start-stop-start phenomenon, irregular 2-5 Hz lateralized activity, and 5-10 Hz sinusoidal waves or repetitive epileptiform discharges. The postictal EEG can also provide valuable lateralizing information. Postictal delta can be lateralized in 60% of patients with TLE and is concordant with the side of seizure onset in most patients. When patients are being considered for resective surgery, invasive EEG recordings may be needed. Accurate localization of the seizure onset in these patients is required for successful surgical management.

Type
Review Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 37 , Issue 4 , July 2010 , pp. 439 - 448
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2010

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