Ictal patterns in generalized epilepsy.

Ictal EEG may be of great benefit in facilitating accurate classification of the underlying seizure disorder in some patients and thus guiding further investigation and management. Ictal recordings in patients with generalized epilepsies are protean in their manifestations and yet may have considerable overlap. Classification is only possible through careful synthesis of all available clinical and electrophysiological data. Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the generalized epilepsies remain uncertain, evidence from EEG recordings tends to support Gloor's concept of corticoreticular epilepsy.