[Prognostic value of the EEG prior to the start and the discontinuation of anticonvulsive therapy].

Opinions are divided about the prognostic value of the EEG in the course of epilepsy. We thus prospectively examined 275 children with epilepsy; in particular, we analyzed the prognostic role of the EEG. Out of these 275 children 209 (76%) have been free from attacks for more than one year. In 107 children the anticonvulsive therapy was discontinued, leading to a relapse rate of 27%. According to our results, only the focal EEG changes, up to interruption of the anticonvulsive therapy, show a statistical significance in the course of epilepsy. On the other hand, a normal EEG before or normalization of the EEG after commencement of therapy and also the absence of any epileptic activity (focal or generalized), are likely to be favourable. However, we could not find a statistically significant difference.