Activation Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real EEG practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Activation Procedures flashcards as text
During sleep activation, which sleep stage is most important to capture for evaluating interictal epileptiform discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy?
Answer: Stage N2 (NREM 2)
Stage N2 sleep is the most important stage for activating interictal epileptiform discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy, as spikes are significantly enhanced during NREM sleep.
A photic driving response seen on EEG during IPS is considered normal when it occurs at:
Answer: Harmonic or subharmonic frequencies of the flash rate over the occipital region
Normal photic driving is a rhythmic occipital response at the flash frequency or its harmonics/subharmonics and represents normal visual cortex activation.
Which of the following would prompt the technologist to STOP hyperventilation immediately?
Answer: The patient develops a tonic-clonic seizure
A tonic-clonic seizure requires immediate cessation of HV and initiation of seizure safety protocols and notification of supervising physician.
For a patient who cannot perform volitional hyperventilation (e.g., young child), an alternative activation method may include:
Answer: Having the child blow on a pinwheel or blow bubbles
Having young children blow on a pinwheel or blow bubbles is a standard pediatric technique to elicit sustained hyperventilation without requiring volitional cooperation.
Eye closure during photic stimulation testing serves what purpose?
Answer: It enhances the photoparoxysmal response by removing fixation suppression
Eye closure removes fixation suppression, making it easier to elicit photoparoxysmal responses in susceptible individuals during IPS.
What is the recommended minimum distance between the photic stimulator and the patient's eyes during IPS?
Answer: 30 cm
The photic stimulator is typically placed approximately 30 cm (about 12 inches) from the patient's eyes to ensure adequate luminance without discomfort or retinal risk.
Which activation procedure is particularly valuable for diagnosing juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)?
Answer: Intermittent photic stimulation
Intermittent photic stimulation is especially effective for provoking generalized spike-wave discharges in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy due to its high photosensitivity prevalence.