Intermediate
Technical
IVT
epileptiform
Pronunciation: ep-ih-LEP-ti-form
Resembling or characteristic of epileptic activity, particularly on EEG recordings.
Full Definition
Epileptiform describes electrical brain activity that has the characteristics of epileptic discharges but may not necessarily indicate clinical seizures. These patterns include spikes, sharp waves, and spike-wave complexes seen on electroencephalography. Epileptiform activity can occur interictally (between seizures) and may be seen in patients with epilepsy or those at risk for developing seizures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'epileptic' which implies definite seizure activity; 'epileptiform' suggests resemblance only.
In Context
- "The EEG revealed epileptiform discharges in the left temporal region." — Diagnostic report
- "Epileptiform activity does not always correlate with clinical seizures." — Medical education text
Also known as
epileptic-like
seizure-like activity
Contrasted with
normal EEG pattern
Don't confuse with
epileptic
ictal
interictal