Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
hypsarrhythmia
Pronunciation: hip-SAR-ith-mee-uh
A chaotic, high-voltage EEG pattern characterized by irregular spike-wave activity, typically seen in infantile spasms.
Full Definition
Hypsarrhythmia is a characteristic interictal EEG pattern consisting of high-amplitude, disorganized slow waves with multifocal spikes and sharp waves. This pattern is most commonly associated with West syndrome (infantile spasms) and represents severe cortical dysfunction. The EEG abnormality may be continuous or modified, and its presence helps confirm the diagnosis of epileptic spasms. Resolution of hypsarrhythmia is often used as a marker of treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: Single word, complex spelling. Essential term for EEG interpretation in pediatric epilepsy.
In Context
- "The EEG demonstrated classic hypsarrhythmia with chaotic high-voltage activity." — EEG interpretation
- "Treatment response was monitored by resolution of hypsarrhythmia pattern." — Follow-up note
Also known as
modified hypsarrhythmia
Contrasted with
normal EEG
Don't confuse with
burst-suppression
slow spike-wave