Electroencephalography (EEG) in cerebral palsy (CP) patients primarily reveals abnormalities related to the underlying brain injury and associated neurological conditions such as epilepsy. EEG is a diagnostic tool that records electrical activity of the brain and is used to detect abnormal brain wave patterns, seizures, and other neurophysiological dysfunctions common in CP.
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders caused by non-progressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain. Many CP patients, especially those with spastic forms, exhibit abnormal EEG patterns due to the brain damage that affects motor control and other neurological functions. EEG findings in CP often include focal or generalized slowing of brain waves, epileptiform discharges, and seizure activity, reflecting the extent and location of brain injury[1][4].
**What EEG Shows in Cerebral Palsy Patients:**
1. **Epileptiform Activity and Seizures:**
A significant proportion of CP patients develop epilepsy, and EEG is crucial for detecting epileptiform discharges such as spikes, sharp waves, and spike-and-wave complexes. These abnormalities indicate hyperexcitable brain regions prone to seizures. Early EEG recordings after the first seizure can aid diagnosis, while later EEGs help predict seizure recurrence[1]. The presence of epileptiform activity correlates with the severity of brain injury and clinical manifestations of epilepsy in CP[7].
2. **Background Abnormalities:**
EEG in CP often shows abnormal background rhythms, including slowing of the normal alpha rhythm or the presence of delta and theta waves in awake states. This slowing reflects diffuse or focal cerebral dysfunction caused by the brain insult leading to CP. The degree of slowing can correlate with the severity of motor impairment and cognitive deficits[4].
3. **Focal vs. Generalized Patterns:**
Depending on the type and location of brain injury, EEG abnormalities may be focal (localized to one brain region) or generalized (involving both hemispheres). For example, periventricular leukomalacia, a common cause of spastic diplegic CP, often produces focal EEG abnormalities in the periventricular regions. In contrast, more extensive brain injuries may cause generalized slowing and widespread epileptiform discharges[4].
4. **Sleep-Related EEG Changes:**
Sleep disturbances are common in children with CP, and EEG during sleep can reveal additional abnormalities not seen during wakefulness. Sleep EEG may show increased epileptiform discharges or altered sleep architecture, which can impact quality of life and cognitive function[2][5].
5. **Correlation with Neuroimaging:**
EEG findings often correlate with neuroimaging results such as MRI, which shows structural brain abnormalities in CP patients. Combining EEG and MRI provides a comprehensive picture of brain dysfunction, helping to tailor treatment strategies[4].
6. **Prognostic Value:**
EEG abnormalities in CP patients can have prognostic implications. For example, the presence of epileptiform discharges and abnormal background rhythms may predict a higher risk of epilepsy and cognitive impairment. Early EEG can assist in diagnosis, while serial EEGs can monitor disease progression and treatment response[1].
7. **Quantitative EEG (qEEG) Biomarkers:**
Emerging research uses quantitative EEG analysis to identify biomarkers that may predict outcomes in neurodevelopmental disorders including CP. These advanced techniques analyze frequency bands, coherence, and other parameters to better understand brain function an
