Quantified electroencephalogram (QEEG) abnormalities in patients with epileptic vertigo and related disorders

Background: Epileptic vertigo is a diagnostic problem although dizziness as a manifestation of epilepsy was recognized 100 years ago. Objective: The aim of this work is to describe the use of quantitative EEG method for localization of the seizure onset of epileptic vertigo and looking for focal differences in related conditions for proper diagnosis and management. Methods: Thirty two patients complaining of vertigo were selected in a cross section study. The patients were divided according to their symptomatology into three groups. Group 1 (G1) had complex partial seizures and vertigo as an aura. Group 2 (G2) had simple partial seizures suffering from episodic attacks of vertigo. Group 3 (G3) had vertigo and attacks of headache fulfilling the Basilar migraine headache criteria. Quantitative EEG was done to asses focal differences between the three groups. Results: The results showed insignificant difference in relative theta, delta power spectral analysis in left mid, posterior temporal regions, and right mid-temporal region (T3, T4, T5) in complex partial seizure group (G1) and epileptic vertigo group (G2) of patients, and significant increase in the relative power spectral analysis of theta, delta in complex partial seizure group (G1), and epileptic vertigo group (G2) in comparison to basilar migraine group (G3) in mid, posterior temporal regions bilaterally (T3, T4, T5, T6). Conclusion: The use of quantitative EEG is a reliable method detecting patients with epileptic vertigo and could be included in a battery to differentiate between epileptic vertigo and vertigo due to other causes.