Diagnostic value of electroencephalography in arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are usually located superficially in the subcortical white matter, and seizures are one of the frequently seen presenting features of AVM. The diagnosis of AVM is confirmed with various neuroimaging techniques. The present study comprised six patients presenting with seizures and headaches, referred to the neurodiagnostic unit to rule out/confirm epilepsy. All patients showed epileptiform activity on electroencephalography (EEG). Further investigations, such as angiography supplemented with computed tomography (CT) showed AVM. EEG is usually not considered a valuable diagnostic tool in AVM, but our results support the finding that EEG is an extremely reliable investigative tool, and should be supplemented with angiography and CT scan for better localization of AVM.