EEG Activation Procedures 4

Question 1

Which patient condition is an absolute contraindication to photic stimulation during EEG?

Accepted Answer

History of photosensitive epilepsy with prior status epilepticus

Answer

History of photosensitive epilepsy with prior status epilepticus is an absolute contraindication because photic stimulation could trigger a prolonged seizure.

Question 2

What EEG response is termed 'photoparoxysmal' during intermittent photic stimulation?

Accepted Answer

Generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave discharges time-locked to flashes

Answer

A photoparoxysmal response consists of generalized epileptiform discharges (spike-wave or polyspike-wave) that are provoked by and time-locked to photic stimulation.

Question 3

During hyperventilation, if the patient has an underlying brain tumor, you would most likely expect to see:

Accepted Answer

Focal or lateralized slow-wave abnormality that increases in prominence

Answer

Focal structural lesions such as tumors typically produce focal or lateralized slow-wave abnormalities that are accentuated by hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia.

Question 4

The standard recommended duration of the hyperventilation activation procedure in adults is:

Accepted Answer

3 minutes

Answer

ACNS guidelines recommend 3 minutes of hyperventilation followed by at least 1 minute of post-HV recording to capture delayed responses.

Question 5

A technologist notices the patient begins breathing very slowly and shallowly during hyperventilation. The best action is to:

Accepted Answer

Verbally coach the patient to breathe more deeply and consistently

Answer

Verbal coaching helps the patient maintain adequate depth and rate of breathing to achieve the desired hypocapnic effect.

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG Activation Procedures 4