[The selective amobarbital test in epileptology]

Epileptic foci in the frontal or parieto-occipital cortex often cause epileptiform EEG changes in both hemispheres. Therefore, delineation of the primary epileptogenic area, which is necessary for epilepsy surgery, is not possible by electrophysiological methods. A temporary inactivation of the epileptogenic area by a selective injection of the short-acting barbiturate amobarbital (selective amobarbital test, SAT) can prove the relation between generalized EEG changes and a circumscribed epileptogenic area. The SAT may also be used for evaluation of the risk for additional functional deficits after epilepsy surgery in certain brain areas. During temporary inactivation of the brain area to be resected, the function of the motor system, speech and memory can be tested.