What EEG characteristic may be noted during the ictal phase of seizures?

During the ictal phase of seizures, spikes and sharp waves are notable EEG characteristics. This is because the ictal phase represents the active part of a seizure when there is a significant disruption in normal brain activity.

The presence of spikes and sharp waves indicates that there is a rapid, rhythmic discharge of neurons that correlates with the seizure activity. These fast discharges are different from the more organized or slower rhythms seen in non-ictal periods or other brain states, reflecting the pathological changes in the brain during a seizure.

In contrast, high-frequency rhythmic patterns, while potentially observed, do not specifically represent the classic ictal activity typical of seizures. Generalized slow waves may indicate a different state of brain dysfunction, such as a non-convulsive seizure or encephalopathy, rather than focusing on the ictal phase where the most abnormal activity occurs. Normal background activity, on the other hand, would not be expected during a seizure, as the ictal phase is characterized by dysregulated brain activity rather than normal functioning.