Routine electroencephalography in the evaluation of syncope - Tips from Other Journals

Although electroencepha is not seldom performed as part of the diagnostic evaluation of swoon the value of EEG has been questioned. To determine the contribution of EEG in the evaluation of elision Davis and Freemon reviewed the records of 99 patients with elision or a related condition who were referr to a veterans medical center Related conditions included blackouts," los of consciousness," "falling out" "passing out" and "fainting."

Fifteen (152 percent) of the patients had abnormal findings in succession EEG. However, the EEG abnormalities were nonspecific and in merely one patient did they directly contribute to the diagnosis and succeeding treatment.

The inquiry findings are consistent with the ensues of three previous retrospective studies, which put in mind ofed that the routine use of EEG in the evaluation of swoon may not be beneficial. (Archives of Internal Medicine, October 1990 vol 150 p 2027)

COPYRIGHT 1991 American Academy of Family Physicians

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