Which of the following EEG findings is considered abnormal?

In the context of EEG interpretation, various types of waveforms and spikes can be identified, each of which is associated with different neurological conditions. When considering abnormal findings on an electroencephalogram, spikes in general are recognized as abnormal EEG patterns. These can indicate the presence of epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

Spikes are characterized by a particular morphology and can often appear in clusters. Their prominence and context within the EEG can help neurologists and EEG technologists assess whether there is an underlying pathological process at play. In contrast, other findings such as small sharp spikes, 6Hz spikes, and wicket spikes have specific benign or less concerning interpretations under certain conditions.

For instance, small sharp spikes can be seen in a variety of physiological states and do not necessarily indicate abnormal function. Similarly, 6Hz spikes may be found in patients with specific conditions but can also occur in normal brains, depending on the overall clinical context. Wicket spikes may be observed in certain benign conditions and are generally not associated with significant pathology.

Therefore, the identification of spikes as abnormal findings is fundamental because of their strong association with seizure activity and other neurological disorders, making them a critical aspect of interpreting EEG recordings for potential pathologies.