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Diencephalic Instability and Aggression
Abstract
The EEG and clinical features of thalamic and hypothalamic epilepsy are reviewed. Comments are made on the physiology of the 14 and 6 per second positive spikes seen on EEG; comments are made on the diversity of the clinical features. Twelve cases of this kind of epilepsy seen at Ingutsheni Hospital during a 5-year period are reviewed; in 3 cases an 18-Hz temporal rhythm occurred in association with the positive spikes. The concept of 'diencephalic instability' is introduced to reconcile the diverse features of the syndrome. The relationship of diencephalic instability to aggressive behaviour and other EEG patterns is discussed; the particular significance of the 18-Hz pattern is discussed.
