[Electroencephalography in epileptic disorders and acute convulsions (author's transl)].

the most important examination of epileptic seizures is the EEG because it is able to reveal interictal changes which indicate pathological processes in neuronal tracts. Diffuse slowing can be seen postical or due to intoxication after both has been excluded in diffuse cortical atrophy. Focal slowing in adults is always suspective of a tumour. -General paroxysmal discharges are frequently characteristical of an epileptic convulsive disorder. Focal spikes do correlate well with the type of seizure. Paroxysmal discharges are primarily indicative of an epileptic disorder-they do, however, occur also without clinical manifestations. Triggering methods (hyperventilation, photo-stimulation, sleep) are a must. The best method, however, to show the typical changes in epilepsy is a long tracing (at least 30 minutes). Acute convulsions are a threat to life. Their etiology are vascular, anoxic, infectious or traumatic changes in the brain. The EEg is in these cases always abnormal.