[Effect of the cholinergic system on EEG-detected paroxysmal activity in West syndrome]

Sixteen patients or convalescents of West syndrome (WS) were studied. The function of cholinergic neurons was investigated by means of physostigmine or atropine testing. In all the cases physostigmine had a considerable inhibitory effect and atropine++ supported the EEG paroxysmal++ activity. Cholinergic system has an important role to play in the WS pathogenesis.