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EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development
Published on: April 9, 2014
The frontal arousal rhythm (FAR) is an ictal pattern: a case report
1University of Illinois Medical Center, M/C 796, 912 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Insights
Frontal Arousal Rhythm (FAR), typically seen in children, was observed in a patient with seizures. Subtle facial movements during FAR suggest it is an ictal pattern, not just a sign of seizure disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Neurophysiology
Background:
- Frontal Arousal Rhythm (FAR) is a rare EEG pattern.
- Typically observed in young children during sleep-wake transitions.
- Previously considered a non-specific finding, sometimes associated with seizure disorders.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of seizures presented with a rare Frontal Arousal Rhythm (FAR).
- Subtle, sequential clinical changes were noted during the FAR pattern on video.
- These changes included eyelid flutter, chewing, increased inspiration, and upper lip quivering.
Findings:
- The observed clinical sequence during FAR was consistent across three separate episodes.
- Each episode lasted between 6 and 10 seconds.
- The findings challenge the traditional view of FAR as solely a sign of seizure disorder.
Implications:
- This study suggests Frontal Arousal Rhythm (FAR) can represent an ictal pattern.
- Re-evaluation of FAR's diagnostic significance in patients with epilepsy is warranted.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical correlates and prognostic value of FAR in epilepsy.
Abstract:
This paper deals with a patient with the Frontal Arousal Rhythm (FAR), a rare rhythmic pattern usually seen in young children awakening from sleep, with a history of seizures. In this patient, subtle clinical changes were observed on the video during the pattern, consisting of a sequence of brief eye lid flutter, chewing, increased inspiration and upper lip quivering. This exact sequence was seen on three successive occasions lasting for 6,9, and 10 sec. The conclusion is the FAR is not just a sign of seizure disorder, but is actually an ictal pattern.
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