EEG findings in Konzo: a spastic para/tetraparesis of acute onset.

Abstract

EEGs were recorded on 21 konzo subjects (median age 17 years) and 13 of their close healthy relatives (median age 41 years). Konzo subjects were clinically selected and classified according to the WHO criteria. Standard waking EEG recordings were performed according to the International 10-20 System. Slowing of the background activity with theta activity was the most common abnormality (57%). The more clinically severely affected the konzo subject, the more often generalized EEG abnormalities were seen. None of these abnormalities were considered specific for konzo nor related to the duration of the disorder; however, the findings indicate involvement of the cerebral cortex.