Abstracts

Rationale: Background: Centrotemporal spike (CTS) is a common EEG pattern in an EEG. It is most often found in benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spike (BECT). The pattern of CTS, although highly characteristic of BECT, can be found in several other conditions, both epileptic and non-epileptic. Objectives: To determine clinical correlates of centrotemporal spike. Methods: The study is a retrospective chart review of 42 patients found to have centrotemporal spike on an EEG performed in the neurophysiology lab at Loyola University Medical Center. Patient’s charts were reviewed from the Department of Neurology database and as well from medical records at Loyola University Medical Center. Results: There were 60% BECT patients, 33% NBECT patients, and 7% patients with no seizures. The NBECT group consisted of: seven patients with symptomatic localization-related epilepsy, and one patient with cryptogenic epilepsy. Diagnosis in the non-epileptic group consisted of: two patients with ADD/ADHD, and one patient with a psychiatric disorder. A horizontal dipole was present in 68% BECT patients and 57% NBECT patients. Conclusions: CTS as an EEG finding is associated with BECT in just over half of the patients. CTS can be observed with other less benign epilepsy syndromes. A small percent is seen in non-epileptic conditions.