Central nervous system effects of antiasthma medication--an EEG study.

The relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities (in particular paroxysmal activity) and theophylline alone or in combination with corticosteroids and/or ephedrine was examined in 161 adult and 93 pediatric patients. For each patient, total theophylline dosage was calculated and a theophylline blood level was obtained at the time of EEG recording. The major findings indicated: The presence of EEG paroxysmal activity in a greater percentage of the population studied than that which has been reported in a group of nonhospitalized individuals of similar age in the general population. There is a greater probability of EEG paroxysmal activity among patients with higher theophylline blood levels or total dosages than among those with lower blood levels or total dosages. There is an increase in EEG abnormalities with the addition of ephedrine. There is a possible protective effect of steroids against theophylline-related central nervous system disturbances.