Effect of frontal and temporal seizure foci on P50 auditory evoked potentials

Event-related potentials have been occasionally investigated in epilepsy. We recorded P50 auditory evoked potentials in 25 patients with complex partial seizures of frontal and temporal lobe origin. P50 was significantly reduced in amplitude and prolonged in latency in temporal lobe seizure patients as compared to controls. Patients with complex partial seizures originating in the frontal lobes did not differ from controls in P50 amplitude. P50 attenuation differences may be related to interictal behavioral or cognitive changes, but could also reflect medication effects. Event-related potentials may be helpful in differentiating frontal and temporal seizure foci.