epileptiform discharge
Pronunciation: ep-ih-LEP-tih-form
Abnormal electrical activity on EEG characterized by sharp, spike-like waveforms that may indicate epileptic tendency.
Full Definition
Epileptiform discharges are distinctive EEG patterns characterized by sharp-contoured waveforms that stand out from background activity and have specific morphological features including rapid rise time and slower decay. These include spikes (less than 70 milliseconds) and sharp waves (70-200 milliseconds), often followed by slow waves. In pediatric patients, epileptiform discharges may indicate increased seizure risk but do not always correlate with clinical seizures. The presence, location, and frequency of these discharges help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions in epilepsy evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Specify morphology (spike vs sharp wave), location, and relationship to sleep/wake states.
In Context
- "Frequent epileptiform discharges were noted over the left temporal region during sleep." — EEG interpretation
- "The absence of epileptiform discharges on routine EEG does not exclude epilepsy." — Patient education note