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EEG Features in Basilar Artery Migraine |
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| Authors: | Daniel E. Jacome M.D. |
| Affiliation: | From the Departments of Medicine of Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah Hospital and; Palm Springs General Hospital, Hialeah, Florida and; the Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida |
| Abstract: | SYNOPSIS Standard and 24-hour ambulatory cassette electroencephalograms (EEG) were performed in 51 female patients with basilar artery migraine (BAM). None of the patients were known epileptics. The group age average was 29 years. Anomalies were detected in 9 patients (17.6%) Two exhibited paroxysmal specific (i.e., epileptogenic) and 7 paroxysmal non-specific abnormalities. Studies during the symptomatic period on 7 patients were normal, and in one adolescent photoparoxysmal discharges were present. Her headaches persisted despite the suppression of EEG photoparoxysmal activity with valproate and carbamazepine; conversely, she was clinically improved with propranolol. EEG abnormalities occurred in the minority of adults afflicted with BAM. The presence of ictal or interictal abnormalities is not an absolute indication for antiepileptic therapy although these agents may, occasionally, be efficacious in the treatment of migraine, independent of associated EEG disturbances. |
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