Pediatric electroencephalographic video monitoring.

Pediatric EEG video monitoring is based on methodology that is similar to that used for monitoring of adults, although there are important differences. In addition, the range of clinical events suspected of being seizures in the pediatric population is quite different from those in adults and, within childhood, is age-specific. Thus, the clinical utility of monitoring in neonates, infants, and children is based on an understanding of the full range of normal and abnormal epileptic and nonepileptic events that may occur in this age group. Similarly, the findings of the EEG are age-dependent and must be considered when they are interpreted as part of the monitoring study and when they are correlated with clinical events captured on video. Monitoring can be utilized in the detection, characterization, and quantification of various types of seizure disorders in children. The most effective application of monitoring, which can ensure the greatest chance for clinically useful information, occurs when monitoring is well-planned; utilizes appropriate EEG and polygraphic-physiologic parameters; incorporates optimal video recording techniques; maintains age-appropriate recording environments within the context of medical necessity; and is conducted in a laboratory with adequate support staff. Pediatric monitoring has been effective in the clinical management of neonatal seizures, infantile spasms, other seizure types in infancy, epilepsy in late childhood, and in the evaluation of pediatric patients of all ages for epilepsy surgery.