The background may be normal or there may be focal, multifocal or diffuse slowing, depending on the etiology. Normal sleep architecture is absent or difficult to distinguish due to epileptiform abnormality in sleep.
Slow (1.5–2Hz) spike-wave discharges are markedly activated in non-REM (stage I-III) sleep. They may be seen diffusely, focally (typically frontally) or multifocally.
Example of continuous spike-wave in sleep.
CAUTION An overnight sleep EEG may be required, as spike-wave activation in sleep may not be seen during brief periods of sleep.
The EEG is activated in non-REM sleep.
The ictal EEG pattern correlates with the seizure type seen.