Termination of anticonvulsive drug treatment and the electroencephalogram

The value of the EEG in the decision to terminate antiepileptic treatment has been investigated on the basis of longitudinal EEG studies in 433 children and adolescents with epileptic seizure disorders. The data were subjected to uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. Most valuable information concerning the risk of seizure recurrence was derived from the EEG findings obtained just before tapering of medication; the course of EEG after termination of treatment; and the maturation of EEG background activity. Thus, the EEG is a valuable tool in the decision of continuation or termination of antiepileptic treatment.