Introduction to Pediatric EEG

Key Points

• EEG reflects cortical electrical activity and is a vital diagnostic tool in pediatric neurology
• Pediatric EEG interpretation requires understanding of age-specific patterns
• Normal variants must be distinguished from pathological findings

Basic Principles

Electroencephalography (EEG) in pediatrics requires special considerations:

• Developmental changes affect background rhythms
• Age-specific normal variants are common
• Technical challenges unique to pediatric population

Clinical Applications

• Primary indications:
  • Seizure evaluation and classification
  • Developmental delay assessment
  • Encephalopathy investigation
  • Sleep disorder evaluation

Essential Components

• Standard electrode placement (10-20 system)
• Minimum recording duration: 20-30 minutes
• Essential states to record:
  • Awake
  • Drowsy
  • Sleep (when possible)

Further Reading

• American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guidelines
• International League Against Epilepsy EEG Guidelines
• ASET - The Neurodiagnostic Society Resources