Tonic Seizures in a Patient With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Manifest as "Icicles" Rather Than "Flames" on Quantitative EEG Analysis

J Clin Neurophysiol. 2023 Feb 1;40(2):e6-e9. doi: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000974. Epub 2022 Oct 10.

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of continuous electroencephalography (QEEG) is increasingly being used to augment seizure detection in critically ill patients. Typically, seizures manifest on QEEG as abrupt increases in power and frequency, a visual pattern often called "flames." Here, we present a case of a 16-year-old patient with intractable Lennox-Gastaut syndrome secondary to a pathogenic variant in the SCN2A gene who had tonic seizures that manifest as abrupt decreases in power on QEEG, a visual pattern we term "icicles." Recognition of QEEG patterns representative of different seizure types is important as QEEG use becomes more widespread including in pediatric populations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Lennox Gastaut Syndrome* / complications
  • Lennox Gastaut Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Seizures / complications
  • Seizures / diagnosis