What pattern is observed on a baseline EEG in a 68-year-old patient presenting with confusion after a cancer diagnosis?

In the context of a 68-year-old patient presenting with confusion following a cancer diagnosis, the observation of biplanar spikes (often spelled as "BIPLEDS") on a baseline EEG is significant. BIPLEDS are typically associated with conditions such as encephalopathy, which can occur due to metabolic disturbances, structural brain changes, or increased intracranial pressure, often seen in cancer patients.

The presence of biplanar spikes can indicate an abnormal brain response, suggesting underlying pathology such as irritation or dysfunction within the cerebral cortex. In patients with a recent cancer diagnosis, these findings can be further interpreted in light of potential complications such as metastasis to the brain, paraneoplastic syndromes, or treatment-related effects.

This makes the identification of BIPLEDS particularly pertinent for diagnostic purposes, as it guides clinicians in understanding the neurological status of the patient and determining the next steps for management. Other patterns such as alpha waves, bipolar spikes, or delta waves would not specifically align with the classic manifestations of encephalopathy that can accompany cancer diagnoses, making BIPLEDS the most relevant to the scenario presented.