Benign EEG variants

EEG is a valuable tool that assists in the accurate diagnosis of seizure disorders. The precise interpretation of EEG requires an ability to recognize patterns that are benign in nature but may be misinterpreted as indicative of a seizure tendency. This review will summarize benign variants encountered in adult EEGs including: small sharp spikes, wicket spikes, fourteen- and six-hertz positive bursts, six-hertz spike and wave, rhythmic temporal theta bursts of drowsiness, subclinical rhythmic electroencephalographic discharge in adults, and midline theta rhythms. Although most of these patterns are relatively uncommon, it is imperative that the clinical neurophysiologist identifies them as benign variants.