The ambulatory electro-encephalogram as a diagnostic tool in a children's hospital.

: The neurophysiology laboratory at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital provides a diagnostic electro-encephalogram (EEG) service for the hospital and surrounding community. In selected cases ambulatory EEG monitoring is undertaken. The present study is a review of the findings in 55 children thus investigated using the Oxford monitor. Indications included unexplained aberrant behaviour outbursts, erratic school performance, atypical absence episodes and the need to distinguish between real and simulated seizures in children with epilepsy. During reporting, correlations were noted between EEG appearances and the child's behaviour. Abnormalities were noted in 35 of the records. These included paroxysmal spike and wave discharge, focal cortical abnormalities and unequivocal seizure episodes. It is felt that the investigation made a significant contribution to correct diagnosis in 32 cases, and that ambulatory monitoring should be available in all laboratories which offer a diagnostic EEG service for children.