Genetic EEG patterns in febrile convulsions--a multivariate analysis.

Genetically determined EEG patterns being found during a longterm follow-up of children with febrile convulsions are subjected to a multivariate statistical analysis. The study is mainly concerned with the examination of interrelationships between spikes and waves, theta-rhythms, and photosensitivity. The three patterns form two-categorial variables (occurrence yes, no) and enter a three-way contingency table. Associations between the variables are examined by fitting a log-linear model to the data. Three effects in the structure of the contingency table are statistically significant: the main effect of theta-rhythms which are relatively frequent in the group, and the two-variable-interactions of spikes and waves with theta-rhythms and photosensitivity respectively. The results of the study emphasize that combinations of different genetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.