Diagnostic Electroencephalography: EEG Analysis and Reporting

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the methodology for analyzing and reporting EEG recordings, including patient states, spatial distributions, and specific rhythmic abnormalities.

Patient States

The clinical condition of the patient during an EEG recording, categorized as Alert, Drowsy, Sleep, or Coma.

Homotopic channels

Corresponding channels on opposite hemispheres of the brain compared during EEG analysis to identify asymmetries.

Posterior background rhythm

An EEG rhythm that should ideally be symmetrical and reactive, located in the posterior regions of the head.

Sharp transients

Abnormal wave patterns that stand out from the background rhythm and require precise language for distribution description.

Lateralised

A term used to describe an EEG abnormality restricted to one side of the brain.

Lobar

A spatial distribution description for EEG findings confined to a specific lobe (e.g., F4, F8, Fz, Fp2).

Regional

An EEG distribution term for localized activity, such as at electrode sites F8, FT10, and Sp2.

Frequency types in slowing

The classification of slow EEG activity, typically described as Theta or Delta.

Consistency (EEG slowing)

The temporal pattern of abnormal slowing, described as either Intermittent or Continuous.

Rhythm (EEG slowing)

The regularity of slow wave patterns, classified as either irregular or rhythmic.

Breach rhythm

An EEG pattern characterized by increased voltage and faster frequencies occurring over a skull defect.

Epileptiform discharges

Specific EEG wave morphologies associated with epilepsy that are searched for during the recording analysis.

$$Hz$$

The unit of measurement (Hertz) used to describe the frequency of EEG rhythms, such as the $2-4 Hz$ or $15-20 Hz$ bands mentioned in the sample report.

Reactivity

The change in EEG background or abnormal rhythms in response to stimuli or physiological changes.

EEG Report Conclusion

The final section of the report that provides an interpretation of the findings (e.g., focal slowing suggesting a structural lesion) without repeating the descriptive body.