epileptiform discharge
Pronunciation: ep-ih-LEP-tih-form
Abnormal electrical brain activity resembling epileptic patterns but not necessarily associated with clinical seizures.
Full Definition
An epileptiform discharge is an abnormal pattern of electrical brain activity that resembles the electrical characteristics of epileptic seizures but may occur without accompanying clinical symptoms. These discharges include spikes, sharp waves, spike-and-wave complexes, and other paroxysmal patterns that have specific morphological features: high amplitude, steep rising phase, asymmetrical shape, and duration typically less than 200 milliseconds. Epileptiform discharges can occur interictally (between seizures) and may indicate an increased risk for developing seizures, though their presence alone does not confirm an epilepsy diagnosis. Proper identification requires careful analysis of waveform characteristics and clinical correlation.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate; distinguish from 'epileptic discharge' which implies seizure activity.
In Context
- "Multiple epileptiform discharges were observed over the left temporal region." — EEG interpretation report
- "The patient showed frequent epileptiform activity during sleep activation." — Pediatric neurology consultation