Little is known about somatosensory evoked spikes (SES) in the EEG of normal children. We studied the occurrence of SES and spontaneous epileptiform activity (SEA) in 173 normal children ageg 7 to 11 years. During the EEG ten taps were applied to both hands and feet. The occurrence of high voltage potentials evoked by each stimulation of one or both heels or hands (SES) and the occurrence of SEA were evaluated. SEA was observed in four children (2.3 %): central/parietal spikes in two cases, generalized spike-and-wave in one, and parietal/midtemporal spikes in one case. A ten years old girl (0,58%) had SES on median parietal region by tapping the left foot. This EEG was otherwise normal. Our findings of SEA are similar to those obtained in other normal populations. SES can be observed in normal children. These SES suggest that we are dealing with an age-related functional phenomenon.
evoked spikes; electroencephalogram; normal children; epileptiform activity
