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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Cortical Source Analysis of High-Density EEG Recordings in Children
Published on: June 30, 2014
Feasibility of sleep-deprived EEG in children
Jacques Theitler1, Daniella Dassa2, Eli Heyman3
1Electroencephalography Laboratory, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Insights
Non-sedated sleep-deprived electroencephalography (EEG) is feasible for young children and those with behavioral disorders. This method proves effective without sedation, offering valuable diagnostic insights.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Non-sedated electroencephalography (EEG) in children presents challenges, especially for those with behavioral disorders.
- Assessing the feasibility and efficacy of non-sedated, sleep-deprived EEG is crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG in pediatric patients.
- Specifically assess its utility in young children and those with behavioral disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of EEG recordings and medical records.
- Inclusion criteria: pediatric inpatients aged at least 2 months undergoing sleep-deprived EEG between 2009-2014.
Main Results:
- Data from 261 children (54% boys, mean age 7.9 years) were analyzed.
- 67 children (26%) were aged 0.5-4 years; 38 (15%) had behavioral disorders.
- Sleep duration and interictal epileptiform discharges did not significantly differ based on age group or presence of behavioral disorders.
Conclusions:
- Non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG is a feasible procedure for young children and those with behavioral disorders.
- Further research is needed to understand reasons for lack of sleep during pediatric EEG recordings.
Background:
Non-sedated EEG recording in children can be technically challenging, particularly when behavioral disorders are present. We aimed to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG in children with behavioral disorders and in young children.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the EEG recordings and computerized medical records of all pediatric inpatients at least 2-month-old that had a sleep-deprived EEG during a 5-year period between 2009 and 2014.
Results:
We present the data of 261 children, 142 (54%) boys, mean age 7.9 ± 4.9 years, 67 (26%) aged 0.5-4 years. Behavioral disorders were reported in 38 (15%) of the patients. Mean recording duration was 50.8 ± 12.5 min, and mean sleep duration- 31.8 ± 15.2 min. Thirty-seven (14%) patients slept less than 15 min during the EEG, including 19 (7%) patients with no sleep during the recording. Sleep duration and the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges did not significantly differ between children with/without behavioral disorders and in those younger/older than 4 years. Patients that did not fall asleep during the EEG did not differ from the others regarding presence of behavioral disorders or age.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that non-sedated sleep-deprived EEG is feasible in young children and in those with behavioral disorders. Further studies are needed in order to better characterize the etiologies of sleepless pediatric sleep-deprived EEG recordings.
