title: Interictal EEG and the diagnosis of epilepsy.
abstract: The interictal EEG provides information that aids in diagnosis and management of epilepsy. One must remember that the EEG is merely a tool, and its usefulness depends largely upon the skill of the individual who wields it. Like all diagnostic tests, it has significant limitations and cannot substitute for a careful history and exercise of good judgment. Nonetheless, in skilled hands, it provides unique and vital information in many patients, and enhances our understanding of their condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Drexel College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Jyoti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sperling
mesh_terms: D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity