Ictal localization of temporal lobe seizures with scalp/sphenoidal recordings.

We assessed the reliability and accuracy of scalp/sphenodial recordings for ictal localization by retrospectively analyzing 706 noninvasive ictal recordings from 110 patients who subsequently underwent stereoencephalographic evaluation. Strictly defined unilateral temporal/sphenoidal ictal patterns correctly predicted findings of depth electrode examination in 82 to 94% of cases. These strictly defined predictive patterns could be detected with excellent interrater reliability. The patterns are misleading in only a minority of cases, but cannot be used in isolation for definite ictal localization.