Electroencephalographic features of moyamoya in adults

Electroencephalography is useful for evaluating transient neurological events in the setting of moyamoya disease.

EEG findings of adults with moyamoya seen at a large moyamoya referral center are summarized. Patients were identified by retrospective chart review.

EEGs were ordered after cerebral revascularization for altered mental status, aphasia, limb shaking, or facial twitching. Among the study population of 103 patients having EEGs, 24% of adults with moyamoya had a history of clinical seizures. Ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were associated with a twofold relative risk of seizures. Overall, 90% of EEGs were abnormal, most commonly focally (78%), or diffusely slow (68%). Epileptiform EEG discharges were seen in 24%. Whereas hemispheres with an ischemic stroke had a 19% risk of epileptiform discharges and an 8% risk of seizures on EEG, hemispheres with hemorrhagic stroke had a 35% risk of epileptiform discharges and 19% risk of seizures on EEG. Focal amplitude attenuation was seen in 19%, breach rhythm in 15%, rhythmic delta in 14%, and electrographic seizures in 12%.

Seizures and epileptiform EEG changes are common in patients with moyamoya disease.

Transient events in patients with moyamoya can result from seizures as well as ischemia.