[EEG activation using bemegride in the diagnosis of epilepsy. 2. Catamnestic studies]

43 patients were evaluated catamnestically 5-10 years after a bemegride test in order to proof its relevance. The bemegride test was considered as diagnostically helpful in 37 cases (86%) based on observations of the course. It had been false negative in four cases (9,3%), and false positive in two cases (4,7%). The occurrence of epileptic attacks is indicated by the activation of regular and irregular spike-wave complexes as well as other specific epileptic discharges. These could be activated by an average threshold of 68,5 mg or 1,09 mg/kg body weight in 86,2% of all patients with epileptic attacks. The threshold dose was lower in cases of primary generalized attacks than in complex focal attacks. The indication for the bemegride test is restricted.