Should an EEG be done after first afebrile seizure?
An EEG helps in determination of seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, and risk for recurrence, and therefore may affect further management decisions. Experts commonly recommend that an EEG be performed after all first nonfebrile seizures. The optimal timing for obtaining an EEG after the seizure is not clear. Transient post-ictal slowing is seen after a seizure and is a nonspecific finding though in patients where the diagnosis of epileptic event was doubtful it may support the diagnosis of epileptic seizure. Since the EEG is useful for classifying the seizure and epileptic syndrome getting an EEG after about 10 days is a better option. The EEG is also useful in predicting the prognosis for recurrences and thus has implication for therapy. Getting an EEG after about 10 days is a better option. The EEG is also useful in predicting the prognosis for recurrences and thus has implication for therapy.
