Paediatric EEGs: what NICE didn’t say

The electroencephalogram (EEG) has a pivotal role in the investigation and classification of the epilepsies. The recognition of different patterns of electrical cerebral activity and its correlation with seizure types and syndromes, as well as the localisation of abnormal foci, are important in the investigation, classification and management of the epilepsies. Pattern recognition may also be important in diagnosing a range of neurological and genetic disorders and may be useful in the evaluation of encephalopathy and coma. Technology has also improved vastly with the use of multi-channel and distance recording (telemetry), co-correlation with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magneto-electroencephalography (MEG) and computer technology to assist with data analysis. However, computerised or automated analysis has not yet replaced the visual and generally subjective interpretation of EEG recordings in routine clinical practice.