FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EPILEPTIFORM EEG PATTERNS IN NIGERIAN EPILEPTICS

We reviewed electroencephalographic (EEG) records of 626 epileptic pat ients for the frequency of epileptiform patterns ( EP). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors determining the occurrence of EP. Epileptiform pattern was detected in 46% of patients studied. The occurrence of EP was associated with age, seizure type, longer durati on of epilepsy, and proximity of EEG examination to last attack. We fo und no association between seizure frequency, medication status at EEG examination and the occurrence of EP. The yield of diagnostically use ful findings in the interictal EEG would be increased if the test is p erformed as close as possible to the last seizure.