Detection of Isolated Epileptiform Discharges in the EEG: The Most Undervalued Service that qEEG Professionals Provide?
Presented by: Mary Tracy & Ron Swatzyna
The sole reason that an individual would normally receive a referral to a hospital or a neurologist for epilepsy screening is if they have had a motor seizure. However, it is not uncommon for qEEG professionals to detect isolated (silent) epileptiform discharges during routine EEG assessments in the absence of a history of motor seizures. Almost all silent epileptiform discharges can be contributing factors to cognitive, emotional, or behavioral symptoms like ADHD, ASD, psychosis, and emotional dysregulation. For this reason, qEEG professionals provide a unique and valuable service to their clients when they discover silent discharges associated with presenting symptoms in the absence of motor seizures. Referral to medical professionals such as neurologists and epileptologists helps the client to gain access to medical treatment that would otherwise have not been warranted. Knowing when to refer out for epilepsy screening is another criterion for all qEEG professionals to acknowledge and practice in their clinical responsibilities. Finally, qEEG professionals can administer neurofeedback training, which can be a crucial factor that can eliminate silent discharges and successfully decrease the intensity or frequency of presenting symptoms.
Learning Objective:
o Recognize epileptiform morphology in 19-lead+ EEGs and the various waveforms (sharp slow waves, spike and wave, spikes in paroxysms, polyspike morphology, etc) and know when to refer out to medical professionals.
o Explain why it is necessary to have clinical correlation when epileptiform activity is identified.
o Identify what classes of psychotropic medications lower seizure threshold.
o Discuss the physiological issues that increase epileptiform activity.
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
Content builds upon the learner's foundational knowledge, familiarity with the literature and/or experience in a content area. Programming at this level includes more depth than at a beginning level program. It could also serve as a refresher course for individuals who have a background in a content area and are interested in learning more contemporary applications. The primary goal of this particular program is to broaden the clinical, consultative, and research knowledge bases of attendees and was deemed intermediate, by the definition above. For those psychologists using the modality of biofeedback and interested in efficacy, science, and latest clinical applications. This conference presents research relevant to psychological practice, education, and science; (2) it is our intention to host an offering to help psychologists to keep up with the most current scientific evidence regarding assessment, intervention, and education; and (3) we believe that this program would allow psychologists to increase competencies to improve services to patients. This conference is IN NO WAY a substitute for the basic academic education and training needed for entry into the field of psychology.