Interictal EEG activity specific for a particular variety of temporal epilepsy. Epileptic temporal theta rhythm

The authors stress the importance of a local theta-rhythm first described by Chatrian in 1953 and largely neglected by clinical electroencephalographers. This rhythm is constituted of waves at 3-5 c/sec; it is localised on the anterior temporal region in one hemisphere and has the same value as isolated temporal spikes or spike-waves for the diagnosis of temporal epilepsy. It furthermore presents the advantage of being specific for a particular form of temporal epilepsy of precocious appearance subsequent to a sclerosis of the anterior median temporal cortex acquired at birth or in early childhood.