THE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC ACTIVATING METHODS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE OF NEUROLOGIST

Abstract

The electroencephalographic activating methods are widely used during the EEG investigation to detect the reactivity of normal electric activity of the brain and for provocation of pathological (especially epileptiform) activity. The most common activating procedures are intermittent photic stimulation, hyperventilation, the probe "opening – closing" of the eyes, sleep deprivation and sleep. The more different activation methods are used during EEG investigation the more information EEG-method can propose in diagnostics of various pathological conditions , especially epilepsy, since epileptiform activity typically occur under certain conditions. In practice it is desirable to apply the activating procedures that are easily achievable with the available equipment and without possible adverse effects for the patients. The use of activating methods during EEG helps to establish correct diagnosis and to improve the efficacy of the treatment. The authors proposed a detailed review, devoted to the clinical aspects of these activating methods, combined with their own illustrations of EEG- responses to a variety of activating procedures.

Keywords

• eeg
• activating methods
• hyperventilation
• intermittent photic stimulation
• sleep deprivation
• sleep