EEG findings during basilar migraine attacks in children

We present clinical and EEG findings in 4 children with basilar migraine (B M) (three female and one male, age 11 to 13.5 years). All patients had an E EG during the acute attack and a follow-up EEG within 4 to 18 days. In two patients the EEG, done within 4 h of the onset of symptoms (initial stage), showed diffuse polymorphic subdelta-delta activity. In two other children the EEG, performed 16 h after the onset of symptoms, showed delta-theta act ivity predominant over the occipital regions. Resolution of these abnormali ties during follow-up was observed in all patients. We wish to stress the d anger of misinterpretation of the slow wave activity in the EEG of patients with BM attacks. Together with the clinical findings and their evolution, EEG results should not be interpreted as a sign of a structural brain-stem lesion, such as infarction or inflammation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.