The type, frequency, and localization of discharges confer prognostic and diagnostic value. 1-4 Similarly, IEDs can be seen in individuals with neurologic disorders without epilepsy. A small proportion of the general adult population exhibits epileptiform discharges on EEG without clinical seizures the rate of these events varies with age, and they are more frequent in children. The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) is valuable but cannot be interpreted in isolation. A patient with known epilepsy benefits from appropriate characterization of the epileptic syndrome, and accurate localization allows progression to presurgical evaluation. Accurate and precise analysis allows distinction between epileptic seizures and nonepileptic events. VideoEEG monitoring is a powerful diagnostic tool when used appropriately. Most of the information covered in both parts of this special report is equally applicable to pediatric patients, especially school-age children and adolescents. Here, in the second part, we address how to interpret EEG data from videoEEG monitoring in adults.

Those issues were covered in the Mar/Apr 2022 issue of Practical Neurology in the first part of this special report.

VideoEEG has also introduced complexities surrounding clinical indications, patient safety, and proper recording environment, equipment, and techniques. The advent of digital videoEEG recordings has expanded our understanding of seizure semiology, and the diagnosis of epileptic and nonepileptic events.

Abnormal eeg normal vs epilepsy