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Serial EEG recordings following intrathecal metrizamide administration
V E Drory1, M Y Neufeld, E Avrahamy
1Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Israel.
Clinical EEG (Electroencephalography)
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Intrathecal metrizamide injections for myelography rarely cause seizures but can lead to EEG abnormalities like generalized slowing. Most patients show normal EEG patterns post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Metrizamide is a non-ionic contrast agent used in myelography and cisternography.
- Intrathecal administration can potentially affect central nervous system (CNS) function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the electroencephalogram (EEG) changes following intrathecal metrizamide administration.
- To determine the incidence and nature of EEG abnormalities and their correlation with the procedure type.
Main Methods:
- EEG recordings were performed before and daily after intrathecal metrizamide injection in 50 patients.
- Patients underwent either metrizamide myelography or cisternography.
- EEG data were analyzed for abnormalities and compared based on the procedure site (cervical vs. lumbar).
Main Results:
- One patient (2%) experienced seizures.
- Generalized slowing was the most frequent EEG abnormality.
- 30% of patients had normal EEGs throughout the study; 8% showed disturbances up to day five.
- Cervical myelography and cisternography were associated with slightly higher EEG disturbance rates.
Conclusions:
- Intrathecal metrizamide is generally well-tolerated regarding EEG activity.
- Transient EEG abnormalities, primarily generalized slowing, can occur but are infrequent.
- Procedure site may influence the likelihood of EEG disturbances.