Which EEG pattern is associated with the presence of high voltage spikes?

The presence of high voltage spikes in an EEG pattern is characteristic of sharp waves. Sharp waves are defined by their steep ascending and descending slopes, and they can often appear as high-amplitude, brief bursts of electrical activity on the EEG. These spikes are commonly associated with various neurological conditions, including epileptic seizures and may indicate the presence of brain pathology when identified during an EEG examination.

In contrast, while theta rhythm is typically associated with light sleep or relaxation states and is characterized by lower amplitude waves, delta rhythm represents the slowest brain activity with even larger and slower waves during deep sleep. Beta rhythm, on the other hand, is associated with alertness and active thinking, characterized by smaller amplitude and higher frequency waves. All these other rhythms do not exhibit the high voltage spike features that are distinctive of sharp waves. Therefore, the recognition of sharp waves is crucial in EEG interpretation, particularly regarding potential clinical implications.