Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What EEG pattern is typically observed in patients experiencing "staring spells"?

1. Alpha wave pattern

2. Irregular spike-wave pattern

3. Beta wave pattern

4. Delta wave pattern

The correct answer is: Irregular spike-wave pattern

In patients experiencing "staring spells," the observed EEG pattern is commonly an irregular spike-wave pattern. This pattern is indicative of specific types of seizure activity, particularly absence seizures, which manifest as brief episodes where the patient appears to be staring into space and is unresponsive. These episodes are characterized by sudden lapses of consciousness, often accompanied by the spike-wave pattern on the EEG. The spike-wave discharges represent a burst of electrical activity in the brain that correlates with the loss of awareness experienced during the spells. This disorganized electrical activity can fluctuate and vary in frequency, hence being described as irregular. Recognizing this pattern is crucial for diagnosing and managing absence seizures effectively. In contrast, alpha, beta, and delta wave patterns are typically associated with different states of brain activity (e.g., relaxed alertness, active concentration, and deep sleep, respectively) and do not correlate with the sudden and brief loss of consciousness seen during staring spells. Understanding these distinctions is essential for interpreting EEG results accurately in the clinical context of seizure activity.