The etiology most commonly associated with LPDs/PLEDs is which of the following?

LPDs (Late Periodic Discharges) and PLEDs (Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges) are EEG patterns often indicative of underlying cerebral pathology. The etiology most commonly associated with these patterns is ischemic stroke.

In the context of ischemic strokes, the brain tissue in the affected area is deprived of adequate blood supply, leading to various neuronal changes, including cell death and the release of potential pro-convulsant substances. This can cause the abnormal electrical discharges characteristic of LPDs and PLEDs to appear on an EEG.

Understanding these discharges helps in diagnosing conditions and determining the prognosis. While brain tumors, anoxic injury, and intracranial hemorrhage can also lead to similar EEG patterns, ischemic stroke is particularly noted for being strongly tied to the spontaneous emergence of LPDs and PLEDs due to the specific changes they cause in brain electrical activity. This connection emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns on an EEG for clinicians when interpreting findings in the context of patient history and potential underlying conditions.