What is an expected finding in the EEG of patients with cortical dysfunction?

An expected finding in the EEG of patients with cortical dysfunction is the presence of abnormal spikes or sharp waves. These patterns indicate that there is a disruption in normal cortical activity, which can be due to various types of brain diseases or conditions. Abnormal spikes and sharp waves are often associated with epilepsy and other seizure disorders, reflecting heightened excitability or pathological activity in the cortical regions.

In a healthy, functioning brain, the EEG typically shows organized rhythms, such as alpha and beta waves, which both represent normal neuronal activity. The presence of abnormal spikes or sharp waves signifies that there is a deviation from this baseline activity, which is critical for diagnosing and understanding the nature of cortical dysfunction. This abnormal activity can help clinicians identify areas of the brain that are not functioning properly, guiding further investigation, management, or treatment plans for the patient's condition.