Electroencephalogram abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorders

J Neurosci Nurs. 2005 Jun;37(3):136-8. doi: 10.1097/01376517-200506000-00003.

Abstract

Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often are evaluated with electroencephalogram (EEG) studies to assess their risk for seizures or other underlying abnormalities. Their risk is estimated at 7% - 42%. EEG studies were conducted on a subgroup of children while following established practice parameters for evaluating children for ASD. Abnormal EEG results were obtained in 85 (27%) of the 316 children evaluatedfor ASD. Within the subset of abnormal results, 64 children had autism, 10 had an ASD or milder presentation, 6 had another developmental disorder, 3 had Rett syndrome, had Down syndrome, and 1 had Wolf-Hirshhorn syndrome. The abnormal EEG findings included epileptiform abnormalities in 55 patients (65%), and slowing in only 13 patients (15%). The focality of the epileptiformfindings included 26 (30%) in the temporal areas, 24 (28%) in the central area, 20 (23%) in the frontal area, and 7 (8%) in the occipital area. These findings confirm the importance of ongoing medicalfollow-up for children with ASDs, especially for those with abnormal EEG results.

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare
  • Autistic Disorder / complications*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Language Development Disorders / etiology
  • Mass Screening
  • Medical History Taking
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Ohio / epidemiology
  • Physical Examination
  • Polysomnography
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Telemetry