EEG in Epilepsy: Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous tumors or lesions that grow in the brain and other areas of the body; including the eyes, lung, heart, kidneys, and skin. 

Due to the lesions being located in the brain these patients can often be seen in our EEG labs receiving testing.

Knowing about this condition and the likely EEG findings is essential in best caring for our patients.

The tumors are non-cancerous but the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on where they are located.

A seizure is often the first symptom of tuberous sclerosis.

Some patients can present with infantile spasms or when the ventricles are effected hydrocephalus.

These growths in the brain often lead to the original diagnosis in infancy or early childhood. 

What can technologists expect to see in the EEG:

• Focal slowing and/or focal sharp or spike wave discharges

  

  Focal slowing with sharp wave discharges

• Possibly multi-focal independent discharges and/or generalized spike-wave discharges for those patients with multiple tumors.

  

  Multi focal discharges

• Hypsarrthymia for those infants presenting with infantile spasms

  

Due to the progressive nature of this disease seizures may change over time.

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly help minimize cognitive impairments for these children.

There is currently no cure but managing symptoms with medication and possibly surgery can help tremendously.

Roya Tompkins, MS, REEG/EP T, RPSGT

Resources:

National Institute of Health

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic