White Matter Disease-The True Source of Triphasic Waves?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurophysiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Triphasic waves are characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns in acute encephalopathy.
• Their diagnostic and prognostic significance is established, but associated neuroimaging findings require further delineation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight common neuroimaging characteristics in patients presenting with triphasic waves.
• To explore the relationship between neuroimaging findings and the occurrence of triphasic waves.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on EEG triphasic waves and neuroimaging findings.
• Analysis of reported neuroimaging results in patients with triphasic waves.

Main Results:

• Subcortical white matter disease is a frequently identified neuroimaging finding in patients with triphasic waves.
• Other common findings may include diffuse white matter changes and cortical atrophy.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging, particularly identifying subcortical white matter disease, provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of triphasic waves.
• Subcortical white matter disease may represent a risk factor or a marker for the development of triphasic waves in acute encephalopathy.