IEDs in EEG Increase Risk of Seizure Recurrence
Source: Epilepsia
Summary
A recent study looked at how EEG (electroencephalogram) results can help predict the chances of having more seizures after someone experiences their first unprovoked seizure. Researchers analyzed data from 4,847 patients across 22 different studies. They focused on comparing patients who had abnormal EEG results, known as interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), with those who had normal or less clear EEG results.
The key finding was that patients with IEDs had a higher chance of having another seizure. Specifically, about 60% of patients with IEDs experienced a recurrence, compared to 40% of those without IEDs. This means that the presence of IEDs on an EEG can indicate a greater risk of future seizures, and this trend was consistent for both children and adults.
This information is important because it helps doctors better understand the likelihood of seizure recurrence after a first seizure, which can guide treatment decisions. However, it’s worth noting that the risk can vary based on age and other health factors, so while IEDs are a useful indicator, they are not the only consideration in managing epilepsy.
