Electroencephalograms of Epileptics Following Sleep Deprivation

Abstract

IN A PREVIOUS study we called attention to the activating effects of sleep deprivation on the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of epileptics with normal interictal records.¹The precipitation of seizures in susceptible subjects by fatigue and pro--longed wakefulness has also been described by other investigators.^2-6 Although the diagnosis of a seizure disorder must be based ultimately on clinical data, the demonstration of electrographic abnormalities may not only provide valuable information about the type of seizure and its cause but also serve as a guide to therapy. In order to increase the occurrence of abnormal cerebral discharges, many techniques are used currently, such as hyperventilation, photic stimulation, and recording during sleep. Even when these techniques are used, many patients with unquestioned seizures have normal EEGs. The need exists for additional techniques that increase the incidence of abnormal discharges in epileptics without giving misleadingn activation in normal subjects and are both simple