title: Lateralization of the epileptogenic focus by computerized EEG study and neuropsychological evaluation.
abstract: The localization of the epileptogenic focus relies on different factors. In patients with partial seizures, asymmetries in EEG background activity were measured by a statistical evaluation of spectral data. Neurophysiological results were compared with neuropsychological findings and MRI. Fifteen of 22 patients showed asymmetries in EEG background activity. The most prominent abnormality was a statistically significant increase of slow activity observed in 59% of cases. Delta asymmetry coincided with the site of lesions, evidenced by MRI, in 83% of patients; with the site of decreased beta activity in 60% and with the maximum level of spiking activity in 58% of cases. Neuropsychological tests showed a lateralization of the hemispheric function which coincided with delta asymmetry in 33% of patients. These results suggest that the EEG background activity, when compared with other parameters, may represent a useful method in lateralizing the epileptogenic focus.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Neurologica, II Università di Roma-Tor Vergata, Italia.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Marciani
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stefanini
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stefani
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Maschio
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gigli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roncacci
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caltagirone
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bernardi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003201:Computers; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests