EEG Pediatric and Neonatal EEG 5

Question 1

Which neonatal seizure type is most commonly electrographic-only (without clinical correlate) and therefore detectable only by EEG?

Accepted Answer

Electrographic-only (subclinical) seizures

Answer

Subclinical (electrographic-only) seizures in neonates have no visible clinical manifestation and can only be detected through continuous EEG monitoring.

Question 2

The 'delta brush' pattern in neonatal EEG consists of what characteristic morphology?

Accepted Answer

High-amplitude delta waves with superimposed fast activity (beta)

Answer

Delta brushes are high-amplitude delta waves with superimposed fast (beta) activity, normally seen in premature neonates between 26–32 weeks gestational age.

Question 3

In childhood absence epilepsy, the typical ictal EEG discharge consists of:

Accepted Answer

3 Hz spike-and-wave

Answer

Childhood absence epilepsy is characterized by generalized, symmetric 3 Hz (2.5–4 Hz) spike-and-wave complexes that are abrupt in onset and termination.

Question 4

What is the significance of a markedly asymmetric background in neonatal EEG?

Accepted Answer

It suggests ipsilateral hemispheric injury or contralateral hemispheric dysfunction

Answer

Persistent interhemispheric amplitude asymmetry (>50%) in a neonate suggests structural injury on the side with attenuated activity or dysfunction on the opposite side.

Question 5

Which EEG feature helps distinguish benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS/BCECTS) from other focal epilepsies?

Accepted Answer

High-amplitude centrotemporal spikes that increase during NREM sleep and have a characteristic horizontal dipole

Answer

BECTS is characterized by high-amplitude centrotemporal sharp waves with a horizontal dipole that markedly activate (increase in frequency) during NREM sleep.

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG - Electroencephalography Practice Test

EEG Pediatric and Neonatal EEG 5