Delayed post-ictal event-related potentials do not differentiate between generalized tonic-clonic seizures and syncope.
BACKGROUND
The differentiation between generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) and syncope is an important clinical problem. Corroborative investigations, which are requested when history is unclear or insufficient, have limited diagnostic value. The aim of our study was to determine whether auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) can be utilized in post-event differentiation between GTCS and syncope.


METHODS
ERPs were recorded in 18 patients with a single seizure and in 21 patients following syncope, either on one or two occasions. ERP latencies and amplitudes were compared between groups and sessions.


RESULTS
No significant differences of P3, N2, P2 and N1 latencies and P3, N2 and P2 amplitudes were found between patients following a single GTCS as compared to patients following syncope on either session.


CONCLUSIONS
Post-event ERPs are insufficient to differentiate between GTCS and syncope. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the influence of different post-event intervals and ERP paradigms on ERP parameters in patients with GTCS.
Gandelman-Marton
Revital
R
Department of Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin 70300, Israel. revitalgm@hotmail.com
Theitler
Jacques
J
Chaim
Samuel Bar
SB
Rabey
Jose Martin
JM
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013575:Syncope / Q000503:physiopathology*