Serial EEG recordings following intrathecal metrizamide administration

Abstract

EEG recordings were obtained before and after intrathecal metrizamide injection in 50 consecutive patients who underwent metrizamide myelography or cisternography. EEG tracings were recorded daily until the pattern returned to baseline. One patient (2%) developed seizures. The most frequent EEG abnormality was generalized slowing of various degrees. In 15 patients (30%), the EEG record was normal throughout the study. In 4 patients (8%), EEG disturbances were seen up to the fifth day after the procedure. Patients who had undergone cervical myelography and cisternography had a marginally higher frequency of EEG disturbances than patients who underwent lumbar myelography. The causes inducing these time-related disturbances are discussed, as compared to pharmacokinetics of intrathecally administered metrizamide.