EEG Results are Rarely the Same if Repeated Within Six Months in Childhood Epilepsy

     Peter Camfield, Kevin Gordon, Carol Camfield, John Tibbles, Joseph Dooley and Bruce Smith

Abstract:   Objective: To assess the reliability of interictal spike discharge in routine electro-encephalography (EEG) testing in children. Method: EEG results of all children diagnosed in Nova Scotia with epilepsy onset between 1977-85 (excluding myoclonic, akinetic-atonic and absence) were reviewed. The results of the EEG at time of diagnosis (EEG1) were compared with those of a second EEG (EEG2) within 6 months. Results: Of 504 children with epilepsy, 159 had both EEG1 and EEG2. EEG2 was more likely ordered if EEG1 was normal or showed focal slowing but less likely if EEG1 contained sleep (p < 0.05). EEG1 and EEG2 were both normal in 23%. If EEG1 was abnormal, there was a 40-70% discordance for the type of abnormality on EEG2. Abnormalities were present on both EEG1 and EEG2 in 67 cases. Of the 42/67 with major focal abnormalities on EEG1, 7 had only generalized spike wave on EEG2. Of the 17/67 with only generalized spike wave on EEG1, 7 showed only major focal abnormalities on EEG2. Statistical testing showed low Kappa scores indicating low reliability. Conclusions: The interictal EEG in childhood epilepsy appears to be an unstable test. A repeat EEG within 6 months of a first EEG may yield different and sometimes conflicting information.

Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 1995; 22: 297-300