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Summary:
Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important tool in investigating
patients with neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy. It has a
range of indications, but its limitations are not well recognized and
may lead to unnecessary requests. The objectives of the present study
were to analyze the inadequate diagnostic indications for
electroencephalographic evaluation and to sketch guidelines for reducing
inadequate EEG requests. We retrospectively analyzed the requests for
EEGs of 850 patients (139 in- and 711 out-patients) undergoing EEG at
the general hospital in Medical centre Zajecar during year 2002. We
consider as inadequate request situations where EEG is of no value for
diagnostic, managing or organizing treatment. In these conditions we
include headaches, dizziness, strokes, rang of psychiatric diagnosis and
other non-neurological conditions. In present study there were 30,2%
(257/850) of inadequate requests. The neurologists made 42,0% (149/257)
inadequate requests, although paediatrics, other specialists and general
practitioners did it in less number (33,3% , 35,1% , 36,9%
respectively). Epileptologist inappropriate requested 9,2 % EEG-s. By
reducing of one-third unnecessary tests each year in one district
general hospital, the proportion of requests in patients with epilepsy
would increase and, consequently, the overall usefulness of the test
would increase. Good bidirectional communication between the referrer
and the EEG department is essential to make proper use of the EEG.
Key words: EEG indications, EEG requests, epilepsy
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