spike-wave index
The percentage of time that spike-wave discharges occur during a specific sleep stage, used to quantify epileptiform activity.
Full Definition
Spike-wave index is a quantitative measure used in pediatric epilepsy to assess the burden of epileptiform activity during sleep, particularly in conditions like CSWS and Landau-Kleffner syndrome. It represents the percentage of time that spike-wave discharges occur during non-REM sleep stages, calculated from prolonged EEG recordings. A spike-wave index greater than 85% during non-REM sleep is considered diagnostic for CSWS. This measure is crucial for monitoring treatment response and disease progression in epileptic encephalopathies.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify which sleep stage when reporting; typically refers to non-REM sleep unless otherwise stated.
In Context
- "The spike-wave index decreased from 95% to 30% following treatment with high-dose benzodiazepines." — Treatment response assessment
- "Serial EEGs will monitor changes in spike-wave index during steroid therapy." — Treatment monitoring plan