The adaptation of electroencephalography to medicine

Electroencephalography is a valuable aid in diagnosis and prognosis of diseases affecting the brain. It has definite limitations.Abnormal electroencephalograms are either paroxysmal or non-paroxysmal. Both of these changes may be generalized or focal. Epilepsy is primarily associated with paroxysmal activity. Electroencephalography aids in the diagnosis and in determining the severity, course and response to treatment.Non-paroxysmal activity, although less specific in pattern, indicates either generalized or focal pathologic change or some alteration of the normal structure of the brain. Non-paroxysmal activity may give supportive evidence referable to conditions, systemic or intracranial, which disturb the state of consciousness.