[Waived EEG diagnosis before administration and during drug therapy with methylphenidate: dangerous or justifiable?]

Abstract

Objectives: The issue of whether or not to perform an EEG before or during therapy with psychostimulants currently is a topic of controversial discussion. Only a few studies have described the types of EEG alterations that occur in patients without epilepsy who are being treated with psychostimulants. The aim of our study was to assess the types of change in the EEG that occur before and during this treatment so as to be able to formulate recommendations for EEGs in children with ADHD.

Methods: The EEGs of 124 children and adolescents with ADHD before and during treatment with methylphenidate were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: In summary the rate of hypersynchronous activity (HSA) during therapy with methylphenidate does not increase. Patients on antiepileptic medication did not show any increased rates of seizures or HSA.

Conclusions: Whether or not methylphenidate medication influences the occurrence of epileptic seizures remains unsettled. Given the data from this study, we would conclude that an EEG during therapy with methylphenidate is not necessary. Before commencing a planned methylphenidate therapy, however, an EEG should be performed.