Electroencephalographic Findings in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: The relationship between cognitive functions, EEG findings and epilepsy in patiens with ADHD is controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of EEG abnormality and its relationship with clinical findings of children with ADHD. Methods: A total of 434 children’s sleep and/or awake EEG who received the diagnosis of ADHD were taken regardless of seizure history. Results: A total of 21.9% epileptic and 15.2% nonepileptic discharges were detected in EEG. Epileptic discharges were found to bemore common in the attention deficit type of ADHD, in right hemisphere regions and were significantly higher in patients who had sleep EEG compared to those who had awake EEG (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The presence of EEG abnormalities in patients with ADHD is associated with clinical findings. Interictal epileptic discharges could affect cognitive functions. EEG recordings including sleep should be taken even in the absence of seizure history.