The Dynamic of EEG Characteristics in Epileptic Children during the Treatment with Valproic Acid

Abstract

Anticonvulsant drug (AED) treatment in epileptic children should be optimized through the anticipation of AED effectiveness at the beginning of the treatment. Researchers thought that the complex EEG analysis should identify the AED treatment’s output in children with epilepsy. The research purpose is to study the different EEG pattern bases on AED treatment. A total of 43 patients with ages of 3–9 years were studied. Three EEGs’ registration took place: before valproic acid-depakin (Dep) treatment, second (3 months), and third (6 months) after treatment. The background EEG pattern was investigated as a quantitative [absolute power spectra (APs)] and brain mapping. In addition, epileptiform EEG and the clinical characteristics of patients were evaluated. Valproic acid reduces Aps in high-amplitude slow waves and spontaneous epileptic patterns decrease and spike-wave complex (3/s) reduces; spikes-polyspikes, sharp waves, and generalized paroxysms during functional tests decreased. The rhythmic monomorphic theta waves (RMT) of tempo-parietal region were studied using brain mapping. The RMT correlated with the recurrence of seizures if Dep was withdrawn. The AED treatment effectiveness had been shown by decreases of slow waves and suppression of epileptiform EEG pattern and clinical improvement. The effective AED therapy should consider the analysis of the base EEG pattern, power spectra, and EEG mapping.