Initiation of Antiseizure Medications by US Board-Certified Neurologists After a First Unprovoked Seizure Based on EEG Findings.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate neurologists' practice variability in antiseizure medication (ASM) initiation after a first unprovoked seizure based on reported EEG interpretations.

METHODS

We developed a 15-question multiple-choice survey incorporating a standardized clinical case scenario of a patient with a first unprovoked seizure for whom different EEG reports were provided. The survey was distributed among board-certified neurologists practicing in the United States. Associations between categorical variables were evaluated using the Fisher Exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 106 neurologists responded to the survey. Most responders (75%-95%) would start ASM for definite epileptiform features on EEG, with similar rates between subgroups differing in years of practice, presence of subspecialty EEG training, and self-reported confidence in EEG interpretation. There was greater variability in practice for nonspecific EEG abnormalities, with sharply contoured activity, sharp transients, and focal delta slowing associated with the highest variability and uncertainty. Neurologists with >5 years of practice experience (21% vs 44%, OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.13-0.89], = 0.021), subspecialty EEG training (15% vs 50%, OR = 0.17 [95% CI 0.06-0.48], < 0.001), and greater confidence in EEG interpretation (21% vs 52%, OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.09-0.62], = 0.001) were less likely to start ASM for ≥2 nonspecific EEG abnormalities and reported greater uncertainty. In multivariate analysis, seniority ( = 0.039) and subspecialty EEG training ( = 0.032) were associated with decreased ASM initiation for nonspecific EEG features.

DISCUSSION

There was substantial variability in ASM initiation practices between board-certified neurologists after a first unprovoked seizure with nonspecific EEG abnormalities. These findings clarify specific areas where EEG reporting may be optimized and reinforces the importance of implementing evidence-based practice guidelines.