A 5-year-old with known epilepsy presents with absence seizures characterized by brief (5–30 second) episodes of staring with eye blinking, abrupt onset and termination, and no postictal confusion. The EEG finding MOST characteristic of this seizure type is:
- A 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges ✓
- B Hypsarrhythmia
- C Centrotemporal spikes
- D Focal slow waves in the temporal lobe
Correct answer: A. 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges
Explanation
Childhood absence epilepsy is characterized by 3 Hz (2.5–4 Hz) generalized spike-and-wave discharges on EEG, which are synchronous with the clinical absence seizure. These discharges have an abrupt onset and termination and can often be triggered by hyperventilation. Hypsarrhythmia is the EEG pattern of infantile spasms (West syndrome). Centrotemporal spikes are the hallmark of benign rolandic epilepsy (BECTS).
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.