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Intermediate Technical IVT

vertex wave

A normal EEG pattern appearing as a sharp, high-amplitude negative wave over the central head region during light sleep.

Full Definition

Vertex waves are normal, physiological EEG phenomena that appear as sharp, negative deflections of high amplitude (50-200 microvolts) maximal at the vertex (central head region). They occur during stages 1 and 2 of non-REM sleep and are considered normal variants. These waves can be spontaneous or triggered by auditory stimuli and should not be confused with pathological sharp waves or spikes. For clinical editors, it's important to recognize that vertex waves are benign findings in sleep studies and routine EEGs, and their presence indicates normal sleep architecture rather than abnormal brain activity.

Usage

Usage note: Always describe as 'normal' or 'physiological' to distinguish from pathological sharp waves.

In Context

  • "Normal vertex waves were observed during stage 1 sleep transitions." — Sleep study report
  • "The EEG showed typical vertex waves without epileptiform features." — EEG interpretation

Also known as

V waves vertex sharp transients

Contrasted with

pathological sharp waves

Don't confuse with

sharp waves spikes K-complexes
VEMP ← Back to glossary volume conduction

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