The value of electroencephalographic recordings in dialysis encephalopathy: case-reports and review of literature.

The electroencephalographic abnormalities with dialysis dementia are described in five patients with this disorder. The tracings of all patients showed a mild to moderate slowing of the background rhythm, intermixed with paroxysmal and rhythmic waves, most prominent on the frontal areas. Epileptiform discharges were seen in only one record. Clinical features, hypotheses regarding pathogenesis, and treatment of this usually fatal encephalopathy are briefly discussed.