Biomedical Science Letters (대한의생명과학회지)

The Korean Society for Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (대한의생명과학회)
권호 표지

Effects of the Photic Stimulation on Electroencephalogram in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients

  • Yoon, Joong Soo (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Kyungdong University) ;
  • Choi, Hyun Ju (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Elderly Life Redesign Institute, Inje University)
  • Received : 2012.10.23
  • Accepted : 2012.12.13
  • Published : 2012.12.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease showing a symptom of repeated seizures without any other physical disorders. Among the diagnostic examination for epilepsy, the electroencephalogram (EEG) has been known as an important test. This study aimed to investigate the EEG with photic stimulation in the pediatric epilepsy patients. They underwent digital sleep and waking EEGs or waking EEGs with photic stimulation. Epilepsy type, seizure history, and season of occurring seizure were analyzed. Epilepsy patients showed more response during the period of photic-on and eye close at the frequency of 10~20 Hz during the EEG activation procedure. Photoparoxysmal response (PPR) was shown in 206 patients out of total 1,551 epilepsy patients. PPR was appeared more frequently during summer and winter seasons, and especially in the patients who had a history of seizure. During the PPR, EEG pattern showed spike (77.18%), theta (9.71%), and spike + theta (13.11%). On the other hand, beta and theta waves were not significantly changed by photic stimulation. However, alpha wave was decreased and delta wave was increased by photic stimulation (P<0.05). These changes may be due to temporarily altered electrophysiological function of the epileptic patient's brain by the photic stimulation. There was no difference in the EEG pattern between the left and right side in the brain. In conclusion, condition of photic-on with closed eyes and frequency of 10~20 Hz during the procedure of EEG activation could be appropriate for obtaining a definite photoparoxysmal response in the electroencephalogram of the pediatric epilepsy patients.

Keywords

References

  1. Ahmed SN, Unterman J, McCloskey B, Sinclair DB. Clinical significance of photic stimulation during routine EEGs of adult patients. Am J Electroneurodiagnostic Technol. 2006. 46: 356-362.
  2. Appleton R, Beirne M, Acomb B. Photosensitivity in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Seizure. 2000. 9: 108-111. https://doi.org/10.1053/seiz.1999.0376
  3. Browne TR, Feldman RG. Epilepsy. 1985. Little, Brown, Boston.
  4. Buchthal F, Lennox WG. The EEG effect of Metrazol and photic stimulation in 682 normal subjects. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1953. 5: 545-558. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-4694(53)90031-5
  5. Danesi MA. Seasonal variations in the incidence of paroxysmal response to stimulation among photosensitive epileptic patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1998. 51: 87-877.
  6. Fallah A, RamachandranNair R. Does photoparoxysmal response in children represent provoked seizure? Evidence from simultaneous motor task during EEG. Clin Neurol Neurosur. 2009. 111: 147-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2008.09.019
  7. Gregory RP, Oates T, Merry RTG. Electroencephalogram epileptiform abnormalities in candidates for aircrew training. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1993. 86: 75-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-4694(93)90069-8
  8. Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenite DG, Binnie CD, Harding GF, Wilkins A. Photic stimulation: standardization of screening methods. Epilepsia. 1999. 40(suppl.4): 75-79. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1999.tb00911.x
  9. Kim SS, Lee KS. A study of EEG on epileptic patients. J Korean Child Neurol Soc. 1997. 4: 124-136.
  10. Lu Y, Waltz S, Stenzel K, Muhle H, Stephani U. Photosensitivity in epileptic syndromes of childhood and adolescence. Epileptic Disord. 2008. 10: 136-143.
  11. Quirk JA, Fish DR, Smith SJ, Sander JW, Shorvon SD, Allen PJ. Incidence of photosensitive epilepsy: a prospective national study. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1995. 95: 260-267. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-4694(95)00118-I
  12. Scott DF, Thulong PF, Moffat AM, Harding GFA. Is sunshine protective in photosensitive epilepsy?. Electroencephalorgr Clin Neurophysiol. 1985. 61: 216-217.
  13. Shiraishi H, Fujiwara T, Inoue Y, Yaki K. Photosensitivity in relation to epileptic syndromes: a survey from an Epilepsy Center in Japan. Epilepsi. 2001. 42: 393-397.
  14. Verrotti A, Trotta D, Salladini C, Di Corcia G, Latini G, Cutarella R, Chiarell F. Photosensitivity and epilepsy: a follow-up study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, Cambridge University Press, 2004. 46: 347-351.
  15. Wolf P, Gooses R. Relation of photosensitivity to epileptic syndromes. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1986. 49: 1368-1391.