Use of routine and video electroencephalography.

The routine EEG continues to be a pivotal diagnostic study in the evaluation of patients with suspected seizure disorders. The identification of potentially epileptiform alterations is important in the classification of the epilepsy and in determining the presence of an epileptic syndrome. The electroclinical correlation observed during long-term EEG monitoring may be used for diagnostic classification and surgical localization. Confirmation of a seizure disorder may be a priority before initiating antiepileptic drug therapy in selected patients. Finally, recognition of the ictal EEG pattern is necessary in evaluating patients with intractable seizure disorders for surgical treatment.