title: Changes in epileptic spike configuration associated with attainment of seizure control.
abstract: This study provides preliminary evidence that computer-derived parameters of interictal spike waveforms can be used to assess seizure hazard in a quantitative manner. Thirteen children with spike foci and simple or complex partial seizures were studied before and during treatment with carbamazepine or phenobarbital; spike parameters were determined from 5- to 30-minute electroencephalographic samples obtained during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Measurements included spike amplitude, duration, and sharpness, and a mathematical combination of these three parameters (the composite spike parameter). Achievement of seizure control was associated with a decrease in spike amplitude, duration, and composite spike parameter, and an increase in normalized sharpness, compared to baseline values. These results suggest that this method may provide a prospective means for estimating drug efficacy that can be applied shortly after attainment of steady-state serum drug levels.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002220:Carbamazepine; D010634:Phenobarbital