Background

The background EEG may be normal, or may show focal slowing over the cleft. In the presence of epileptic spasms or generalized seizure types, the background may show widespread slowing or hypsarrhythmia.

Interictal

Focal interictal epileptiform abnormality may be seen, at the location of the cleft.

Multi-focal independent spikes or generalized spike-wave (usually <3Hz) can be seen in those with generalized seizure types.

Hypsarrhythmia can be seen in those with epileptic spasms.

Activation

EEG abnormality is enhanced by sleep deprivation, in drowsiness and in sleep. Obtaining a sleep EEG is important in infants at risk of epileptic spasms, as the awake EEG may be normal, and abnormality may only be present in sleep.

Ictal

Focal, rhythmic epileptiform discharges are seen, showing spatial correlation with the cleft.

If epileptic spasms or generalized seizures are present, the ictal EEG associated with these seizure types may be seen.