EEG features in post-traumatic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Trauma Research
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Post-traumatic syndrome can develop after minor head trauma or whiplash injuries.
• Previous reports suggested a higher incidence of EEG abnormalities in these patients.
• The relationship between post-traumatic syndrome symptoms and epileptogenic activity requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in patients with post-traumatic syndrome.
• To determine if symptoms experienced during EEG monitoring correlate with abnormal brain activity.
• To assess the epileptogenic nature of post-traumatic syndrome symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Standard and 24-hour ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were conducted.
• 54 patients with post-traumatic syndrome resulting from minor closed head trauma or whiplash were included.
• Clinical symptoms during monitoring were recorded and correlated with EEG findings.

Main Results:

• Paroxysmal EEG activity was observed in only 9.2% of patients.
• 24 patients experienced typical post-traumatic syndrome symptoms without concurrent EEG abnormalities.
• No abnormalities were detected solely from the 24-hour ambulatory EEG recordings.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of EEG abnormalities in post-traumatic syndrome is low.
• Symptoms associated with post-traumatic syndrome are generally not epileptogenic.
• Findings contradict some previous reports on EEG findings in post-traumatic syndrome.