AN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC STUDY OF CASES WITH SYNCOPE AND RELATED DISORDERS
Abstract
In a study of the EEGs (between attacks) of a selected group of 229 patients subject to "fainting spells" and "dizzy spells" the following observations were made:
1. In patients subject to typical "fainting spells," the incidence of EEG. abnormality (11 percent) was as low as one finds in normal controls.
Patients subject to "dizzy spells" had an even lower incidence of EEG. abnormality (4 percent).
Patients subject to "fainting spells accompanied by rigidity" had a considerably higher incidence of EEG. abnormality (45 percent), suggesting that of the three groups this was the only one in which a significant number of the group might belong to the epileptic category.
2. There was no correlation between EEG. abnormality and frequency, duration and number of spells. It appears that repeated syncopal attacks do not produce EEG. abnormality.
3. Within the total group of 229 cases there were only two patients whose EEGs showed typical 3 per second spike and wave discharges (petit mal waves).
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
